One year ago, the nation was left mourning – yet again – after a school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

Since then, school districts have made changes to increase safety and security. At the largest school district in Central Texas, many changes have occurred since the tragic shooting.

“We’ve coordinated our bell schedule so that all the exterior doors are locked down. We strategically open/lock during passing periods to accommodate students transitioning to and from portable buildings,” Superintendent Dr. John Craft said.

A door lock release system makes sure visitors are only able to gain access to the campus after they’ve been screened. Killeen ISD’s police force has also increased.

Recently, the district experienced a scare at one of its high schools. Last month, a sixth-grade student made a hoax 911 call about a shooting at Shoemaker High School. The student was arrested for the hoax, but still a scary situation for everyone.

That incident has led to a teaching lesion for the district.

“I feel like it’s important that we are all knowledgeable as to what actions we took on that day. Obviously, what can we do better, mistakes we can learn from and how can we be best prepared in the event we do have to have that type of action as a result of an alleged threat,” Craft said.

Craft also remembered the dark day when 17 young lives were taken at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

“As a superintendent, it’s very similar to the feeling of 9/11. I remember precisely where i was with 9/11, same type of feel, and almost empty feel with Parkland,” he said.

As the district gets ready to open new schools in the next few months, keeping students safe is the top priority.

“We take safety and security absolutely serious. It is the most important priority, we’ve got to maintain safety and security at all of our campuses,” Craft added.

— KWTX 10