The Case for Culture Training and Tech in School Safety

On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, a 17-year-old student opened fire at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas ISD, injuring five students.

The suspect didn’t force entry or bypass complex security measures. He was let in—through a locked side door, opened for him by another student. AP News

It’s the kind of moment that’s impossible to audit after the fact and incredibly difficult to prevent without a shared culture of awareness. For those of us in school safety, it’s a stark reminder: we haven’t solved the intruder issue just because we check doors.

Daily checks matter. Technology helps. But this tragedy proves that a secure door means nothing if it’s opened for the wrong person.

A Pattern We Can’t Ignore

Roughly two weeks earlier, another close call occurred at a different Dallas ISD campus. A fourth grader noticed someone trying to get in and alerted an adult. As Dallas ISD Police Chief Albert Martinez said:

“A fourth grader recognizing this person shouldn't be allowed in and goes and tells an adult.”

That moment didn’t make national headlines, but it easily could have. Both events point to a deeper issue: our reliance on routine procedures cannot outweigh the need for a culture of awareness, responsibility, and shared ownership.

Safety Isn’t Just Physical

At DoorCheck, our platform helps districts monitor and log the state of every exterior access point. We’re proud of how far schools have come using our tools. But even we know: software isn’t the only solution.

This problem is physical and cultural:

• Why are side doors being left unlocked?
• Why are students letting others in?
• Why isn’t every access point seen as critical to safety?

You can’t fix that with sensors alone. It requires a shift in mindset—from everyone.

A Story That Starts Early

That’s why we’ve been working on something new: an early education resource disguised as a storybook.

“Mr. Check and the DoorCheck Team” (working title) is more than just a children’s book—it’s a foundational tool to help schools introduce concepts of safety, responsibility, and awareness in a way that’s engaging and age-appropriate. The story brings school doors to life, giving them voices, personalities, and concerns—so students see them not just as objects, but as partners in protection.

This book isn’t about fear. It’s about teamwork. Empowerment. Accountability.

We’re still developing the full curriculum around it, but the message is clear: safety doesn’t start with policy—it starts with people. And that includes our youngest learners.

Interested in bringing the book to your district or partnering on a pilot program?

Reach out to JB de la Garza at jb@doorcheck.app to learn more.

We’re Not Done

No matter how many checks we run, how many logs we keep, or how many procedures are written, none of it matters if the culture inside the building doesn’t take access seriously.

Daily checks are essential. But they’re just the beginning.

At DoorCheck, we’re building systems—and stories—that help schools go beyond the checklist. Because behind every door is a life worth protecting.