UVALDE — On Monday evening, Uvalde CISD board members and the public heard an update on what appeared to be an abandoned independent investigation at the district police station.

“The fact that you have made the decision to end this investigation is very discouraging, disappointing and disrespectful,” said Diana Olvedo Carau, speaking to the board of directors.

“Guys, you had an investigation. Now you sweep it under the rug,” added Daniel Myers.

The outrage was sparked by the now-cancelled JPPI Investigations Review.

However, Uvalde CISD Interim Superintendent Gary Patterson says the investigation was never authorized.

“The board has never acted or directed Dr. (Hal) Harrell to cooperate with JPPI. I went through all the agendas and meeting minutes and spoke to Dr. Harrell again,” Patterson said.

No agreement was ever made.

However, a September 28 UCISD press release says otherwise:

“In addition, the county approached JPPI Investigations to conduct an independent review of the actions of the Uvalde CISD Police Department on May 24, 2022. We do not currently have an expected completion date for the review.”

“It’s confusing and I agree it’s confusing,” Patterson said.

To clarify, Patterson said they have never signed or formally engaged with JPPI Investigations.

Instead, the county relies on four other reviews and investigations:

1. Texas House of Representatives: Committee to Investigate Robb’s Elemental Shooting.

2. Systematic Review and Investigation of the UCISD Police Department by James McGlaflin in conjunction with the Association of Texas Police Chiefs.

3. Texas Center for School Safety: Uvalde County CISD Safety Audit Report.

4. The current review of the Ministry of Justice will be completed on a date to be determined.

The county received a systematic review by the UCISD Police Department by James McGlaflin of the Association of Texas Police Chiefs. The Administration and the Board of Trustees are currently reviewing this document. In addition, the county actively participates in and cooperates with the Department of Justice’s investigation and review.

Statement by Uvalde CISD on Investigations and Inspections; February 10, 2023

“Bringing on JPPI would mean bringing on two firms that would overlap, even though JPPI told Dr. Harrell that there was nothing more we could do for you,” Patterson said.

He says it will be up to the county’s lawyers to release the results of other investigations and reviews due to the ongoing litigation.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the District Police and the Uvalde City Police. It outlines communication and coordination efforts. You can read the Memorandum of Understanding on the District Agenda on pages 57 – 60.

The council also voted unanimously to end the school year for students by May 24.

Classes will end on May 22, shortly before Uwalda’s one year anniversary of the Robb Elementary School shooting, due to security concerns surrounding the anniversary.

According to the agenda, “The Texas Education Agency is working with the county to ensure there are no financial repercussions or compensation for these days. The staff will return on May 26 for the end of the working day and graduation.”

The District heard a presentation from SafeEVAC Inc. about its threat detection and evacuation technology.

“The technology consists of Threat Identification and Emergency Response Notification, a patented signage that provides instant notification to people in the danger zone to take shelter in place and instantly directs those who can safely evacuate to a safe exit,” the statement said. district agenda.

Patterson urged the board to wait until they see how the technology has been implemented elsewhere.