Fort Worth Schools Approved Security Contract
The district secured a new safety system as it works to address a significant budget deficit.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Administration
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The Fort Worth ISD board of managers has approved a five-year security contract with firm Centegix to enhance campus safety. The initial year of the program is being fully funded by a $1 million donation from the Sid W. Richardson Foundation.
Why it matters
This move aims to modernize emergency response capabilities across the district despite a challenging financial environment. Administrators are now tasked with securing additional philanthropic support to sustain the system for the remaining four years of the contract.
The five-year deal provides staff badges that trigger alerts via button presses, including visitor management systems and blueprints. The second year of the agreement carries a cost of $1.8 million.
The players
Fort Worth ISD
This public school district serves the educational needs of students across the city of Fort Worth.
Centegix
The company specializes in physical security technology and emergency response systems for school districts.
Sid W. Richardson Foundation
This philanthropic organization provides grants and funding to support various community and educational initiatives in Texas.
Pete Geren
He serves as the Board President for the Fort Worth Independent School District.
The details
Teachers can initiate a medical or service alert by pressing a button on their provided badge three times, with a separate trigger required for police notification. Board President Pete Geren recused himself from the decision-making process regarding the contract.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Contract approval was finalized.
Year 1: New security technology will be implemented across all campuses.
Year 2: Costs for the security services are projected at $1.8 million.
Culture Shift
The reliance on private philanthropic funding for essential safety infrastructure highlights a shift in how public districts manage operational costs during fiscal downturns. This move signals a departure from traditional tax-funded expansion as local governments face frozen property appraisals.
Residents should expect the implementation of new safety protocols and visitor management systems on campuses throughout the coming year. While the current property tax rate remains unchanged, the district's ongoing budget shortfall may lead to further adjustments in other service areas.
The takeaway
Districts are increasingly turning to external foundations to bridge the gap between safety requirements and limited public funding. Parents and residents should monitor future board meetings as administrators attempt to secure long-term funding for these new safety assets.
Further reading
For more on the district's management policies, visit the Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fort Worth Report.
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Should school districts rely on private philanthropic donations to fund core safety and security measures?
