In a decisive move to bolster student safety, Bangs ISD, a small but forward-looking Texas school district, recently announced its formal partnership with FirstNet, the nationwide broadband network built specifically for public safety. While FirstNet is widely known for empowering first responders, its adoption by the school district signals a broader trend: schools are turning to dedicated, prioritized communication tools to respond more effectively during emergencies.
“For many school administrators, communication during a crisis is as critical as the physical safety infrastructure. Traditional methods — personal cell phones, walkie-talkies, or even radios can be unreliable, congested, or fragmented when every second counts,” stated Director of Operations, David Garcia.
FirstNet changes that equation. It offers always-on priority access for devices subscribed to the network, meaning that during emergencies, calls and data from FirstNet-enabled devices are given precedence over the broader commercial network.
Garcia stated, “This is not just about clearer calls, it’s about ensuring that vital, real-time information flows without delay. For the district, that translates into faster coordination between school staff, district guardians, first responders, and transportation teams.”
This district’s move reflects a growing recognition among school systems that digital communications are now central to safety planning. It’s no longer enough to rely solely on traditional measures; in crises, information must move fast, reliably, and securely.
Garcia further stated, “FirstNet’s emergence as a school-safety tool is emblematic of this shift an acknowledgment that in the complex, unpredictable world of emergencies, communication infrastructure isn’t just support. Sometimes, it’s the first line of defense. By signing on with FirstNet, Bangs ISD is investing not just in technology, but in a more resilient safety posture — one that could make all the difference with school safety.”
Bangs ISD will be one of the first school districts in the state to team up with FirstNet. FirstNet will be fully operational for Bangs ISD in December.