Alvin ISD Parents Demand Stronger Classroom Safety Measures After Student's Death

Choking incident raises concerns over CPR training and nurse staffing requirements in Texas schools

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The death of a third-grade student following a choking incident at Pomona Elementary School in Alvin, Texas has left the community grieving and sparked renewed concerns among parents about classroom safety requirements in the state. While Alvin ISD says its teachers are trained to respond to such emergencies and nurses are present on every campus, some parents are questioning whether these measures are sufficient and are calling for broader CPR training and mandatory nurse staffing across all schools.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the need for comprehensive safety protocols and emergency response training in schools across Texas. With no statewide requirements for CPR certification of all teachers or mandatory nurse staffing, parents are rightfully concerned about their children's wellbeing and the ability of school staff to effectively respond to medical emergencies.

The details

During a snack time at Pomona Elementary, a third-grade student began choking. The teacher immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver and called for the school nurse. Campus police and EMS arrived within minutes, but the child was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Alvin ISD states that its teachers are trained to handle choking incidents and nurses are present on every campus, but some parents argue that these measures are not enough, calling for broader CPR training requirements and a mandate for nurse staffing at all public schools in Texas.

  • On February 13, 2026, a third-grade student at Pomona Elementary School in Alvin, Texas died following a choking incident during snack time.

The players

Alvin ISD

The school district in Alvin, Texas where the incident occurred.

James Goodwin

A parent who believes all school staff should be trained in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.

Elizabeth Knot

A former teacher who says educators are often the first responders in emergencies.

Hector Saldarriaga

A first-time parent who says CPR training should be a priority for schools.

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What they’re saying

“Well, everybody should know CPR and the Heimlich maneuver just in case. I don't think it'd take that long to put everybody through a CPR class.”

— James Goodwin, Parent (click2houston.com)

“Teachers are that leader in the classroom. You can just turn your back for a second and next thing you know, you've got a situation on your hands.”

— Elizabeth Knot, Former Teacher (click2houston.com)

“CPR — that should be like one of the first things. Choking is serious. I'm just trying to make sure [my child] safe. That's it.”

— Hector Saldarriaga, Parent (click2houston.com)

What’s next

As the Alvin ISD community mourns the loss of the student, some parents say they hope the tragedy leads to a closer look at whether additional training requirements could help prevent future incidents. The district has stated it is committed to the care and wellbeing of all students, and the crisis response team is providing support to those impacted.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for comprehensive safety protocols and emergency response training in schools across Texas. With no statewide requirements for CPR certification of all teachers or mandatory nurse staffing, parents are rightfully concerned about their children's wellbeing and the ability of school staff to effectively respond to medical emergencies.