North East ISD to Convert Former Elementary into Safety Training Center

Federal grant funding will allow district to transform Wilshire Elementary into hub for emergency response training.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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North East Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas, plans to convert the former Wilshire Elementary School into a 'true safety center' where NEISD police and other officials can train for potential crises. The district is using a new $4.2 million federal grant to pay for the renovation, which will include a simulator and protocols for emergency scenarios like fires or dangerous intruders. The repurposed Wilshire Safety Training Center will become a professional development hub for staff involved in emergency response.

Why it matters

The new safety training center is a direct response to the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers. The facility will allow NEISD to ensure its staff is trained to the highest level in emergency preparedness and response, in partnership with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.

The details

NEISD Interim Superintendent Anthony Jarrett said the Wilshire Safety Training Center will feature a simulator and protocols for any possible incident, including fire or a dangerous intruder. Counselors and teachers will also be trained in first aid and CPR at the facility. The project is one of 14 funded through $42.5 million in federal grants, with $4.2 million each going to NEISD and Uvalde CISD for school safety improvements.

  • NEISD closed the former Wilshire Elementary School last year.
  • The district received the $4.2 million federal grant for the safety center project in 2026.

The players

North East Independent School District

A public school district serving students in San Antonio, Texas.

Anthony Jarrett

Interim Superintendent of North East Independent School District.

Tony Gonzales

U.S. Representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Uvalde CISD

Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, which also received a $4.2 million federal grant for school safety improvements.

Bexar County Sheriff's Office

The sheriff's office that will partner with NEISD on the safety training center.

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What they’re saying

“Minutes matters, seconds matter, training matters. We can't think it's not going to happen to us. We have to prepare and be ready for it. And that's exactly what North East ISD is doing.”

— Tony Gonzales, U.S. Representative (expressnews.com)

“This safety center affords us the opportunity to ensure that we train our staff at the highest level”

— Anthony Jarrett, Interim Superintendent, North East ISD (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The district expects the conversion of the former Wilshire Elementary into the Wilshire Safety Training Center to move forward 'pretty quickly'.

The takeaway

The new safety training center represents a proactive effort by North East ISD to prioritize emergency preparedness and response in the wake of the tragic 2022 Uvalde school shooting. By investing in this facility, the district aims to ensure its staff is thoroughly trained to handle any potential crisis situation.