Abbott appoints John Scott as Chief of School Safety and Security: 'Protecting Texas children and making our schools safer for all are top priorities'

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed John Scott as the Chief of School Safety and Security on Monday, effective immediately. Abbott had the Texas Education Agency create the new position after the tragic school shooting in Uvalde in May, which resulted in the deaths of 19 students and 2 teachers.

Chief Scott’s job will consist of making sure Texas schools are following school safety policies and taking action to avoid another school shooting as well as any other threat to school safety. He will be reporting to the Texas Education Agency’s Commissioner Morath. Chief Scott will also be in direct contact with the Office of the Governor, the TEA, the Texas School Safety Center, the Department of Public Safety, the Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium, Advance Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center, and all school districts, as well as other important organizations necessary for the safety and security of school children.

"Protecting Texas children and making our schools safer for all are top priorities, and John Scott is uniquely qualified to help lead our efforts ensuring their safety and security in Texas schools," Abbott said. "Chief Scott's wealth of experience in security and intelligence and exemplary service to our nation make him the perfect fit as the new Chief of School Safety and Security. I look forward to working with Chief Scott as we continue increasing our strong collaboration and communication among state agencies to provide a safe and secure environment for every Texas student, parent, teacher, and school faculty member."