The Sherman Independent School District Police Department has been honored with the 2026 Statewide School Safety Spotlight Award. The recognition was granted for leading a collaborative initiative focused on emergency reunification protocols across Grayson County. The award represents the collective efforts of all 13 school districts within the county.
Sherman is located approximately 15 miles northeast of Gunter.
The program originated from a district-wide training exercise conducted last year. That event demonstrated the need for a standardized approach to reuniting students with their families during crises. Following the success of that initial training, district officials expanded the concept to include all local school systems. The goal was to create a unified team capable of managing reunification processes efficiently.
Sherman ISD Police Chief Heath Wester stated that the district prioritizes student safety and aims to provide parents with confidence in the county’s emergency resources. He noted that the expansion of the program has been met with strong support from participating districts. Wester emphasized that the initiative relies on cooperation among various groups, including law enforcement, school faculty, bus drivers, and maintenance staff.
Sarah Somers, director of the Grayson County Office of Emergency Management, praised the leadership shown by Wester and the district. She described the effort to bring multiple agencies together as a significant contribution to community resilience. Somers indicated that the collaboration has strengthened emergency preparedness capabilities throughout Grayson County.
