Leander ISD Police Department
School Marshals
Leander ISD Police Department
School Marshals
At the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, Leander ISD is implementing a School Marshal Program at elementary campuses and the Early Childhood Center as part of its comprehensive, multi-layered approach to safety and security. All Leander ISD School Marshals are trained and licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
About the School Marshal Program
- School Marshal positions are dedicated solely to enhancing school safety and are separate from instructional or teaching roles.
- The Leander ISD Police Department will post available School Marshal positions on the district website and will oversee the candidate interview process. Once selected, candidates will be placed on the waitlist for the School Marshal Training Course.
- The district will assist eligible hires in obtaining their School Marshal license upon successful completion of all training requirements.
- The School Marshal Program is licensed and regulated by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), the same agency that oversees all law enforcement officers in Texas.
- To serve as a School Marshal, individuals must:
- Possess and maintain a valid Texas License to Carry (LTC)
- Pass an L-3 psychological evaluation
- Complete 80 hours of training, which covers topics including: physical security, improving the security of a campus, use of force, active shooter response, and weapon proficiency.
- Complete 16 hours of renewal training every two years
School Marshal Duties and Responsibilities
In Leander ISD, School Marshals’ duties and responsibilities include:
- Provide safety and security on campus
- Assist with Emergency Operation Planning
- Assist with Emergency Drills
- Assist with Door Audits
- Assist with Safety and Security training
- Respond during an active attack event
They do not have police authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between School Marshals and Peace Officers?
School Marshals are dedicated school personnel at elementary and Early Childhood Center campuses hired specifically to protect students and staff from physical harm. Each School Marshal must obtain licensing and certification through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), which includes: possessing and maintaining a valid Texas License to Carry (LTC), completing a psychological evaluation, and completing 80 hours of specialized training and 16 hours of renewal training every two years. It is important to note that School Marshals do not perform traditional law enforcement duties.
Police Officers are licensed law enforcement personnel responsible for patrolling Leander ISD property to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors, and to prevent loss or damage to district property due to theft or vandalism. They are tasked with upholding and enforcing all applicable penal and education laws in the State of Texas. Each officer must complete a minimum of 736 hours in the Basic Peace Officer Course, Active Shooter Response Training, and an additional 1,200 to 1,600 hours in School-Based Law Enforcement and Field Training. Officers are primarily assigned to secondary campuses, including middle schools and high schools.
When can I expect to see the presence of a School Marshal on my child’s campus?
Leander ISD is committed to a timely process that allows us the careful selection of qualified and vetted individuals for these positions. Leander ISD Police Department will use its expertise and experience to interview and place qualified candidates starting Fall 2025. School Marshals will be placed at campuses in phases based on need.
What would a School Marshal do while on campus?
State guidelines call for an armed guard to be on campus each day school is in session. Because this information is sensitive, the Leander ISD Police Department will develop the daily schedule internally and will not make it public.
School Marshals are not trained for full law‑enforcement duties. Instead, they act as extra eyes and ears—helping deter unsafe behavior and stepping in during an incident until local law enforcement arrives.