The Pharr San Juan Alamo Independent School District hosted a Thursday ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new School Safety and Security Center on Thursday.

“It's for our police department and security department to be able to do their jobs correctly with the right resources,” PSJA ISD Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias said.

The center stands next to Jesus "Jesse" Vela Jr. Middle School, located at 1819 US-83 BUS in Alamo. 

PSJA ISD Police Chief Rolando Garcia says the building will serve as a hub for the district's safety teams.

“Our police department and security team will now be housed within one location, working side by side,” Garcia said.

Renovations first started fall 2023. A new training facility and an emergency conference room were also added.

Construction cost the district $85,000.

The district hopes a centralized building helps all local agencies communicate better. 

“We have 96 security guards, with 40 of those being guardians — which is our armed security,” Garcia said. “So now having them as an extension of law enforcement, it's really gonna enhance the safety and security.”

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