AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Governor Gregg Abbott has named John P. Scott of Dallas as the new Chief of School Safety and Security within the Texas Education Agency.
The Monday announcement comes four months after the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers.
After the massacre, the Governor directed TEA to create the position to serve as a recognized expert on school security and public safety issues and a resource to school districts and the legislature.
Scott is tasked with ensuring Texas schools are implementing the school safety policies passed by the legislature and take every action possible to make sure schools are using best practices to safeguard against school shootings or other dangers.
“I am honored to join the Texas Education Agency in this capacity,” said Chief of School Safety and Security John Scott. “I plan to work closely with partner agencies and school systems across the state to keep our students and staff safe.”
Governor Abbott touted Scott as the best person for the job.
“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,” said Governor Abbott. “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.”
Scott was Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the United States Secret Service Dallas/North Texas District.
Before that, he served as Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge for the North Texas Cyber Fraud Task Force, Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge for the Protective Intelligence & Physical Protection Unit in Dallas, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the Secret Service Headquarters/Protective Operations Division in Washington, D.C.
Additionally, Scott served as Special Agent in the Vice Presidential Protective Division and Dignitary Protective Division in Washington, D.C. and in the Houston Field Office. Before joining the Secret Service, Scott was a U.S. Army Field Artillery Officer and Captain where he completed Airborne and the rigorous Ranger schools. Scott earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Texas Tech University, where he was named a Distinguished Military Graduate.
Chief Scott will report directly to Commissioner Morath and will have a direct line to Governor Abbott.
As the single point of contact to coordinate school safety and security efforts across Texas, Chief Scott will enhance all agency services by increasing communication and collaboration among the professionals at 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, and the Advance Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center, school districts, and other entities.
