Mission

The purpose of the Harris County Safe School Commission (“HCSSC”) is to advise the Harris County Commissioners Court on matters related to safety and wellness in K-12 schools across Harris County.

Who We Are

The Harris County Safe School Commission is an advisory body to the Harris County Commissioner’s Court tasked with providing safety recommendations to the court. The Commission brings together key stakeholders-including parents, students, school administrators, and three subject matter experts in school safety-to collaboratively enhance safety measures within our schools. By drawing on the expertise of these diverse groups, the Commission works toward creating safer and more secure educational environments for all.

Members

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Saami Baig – Chairman, Voting Member

Appointed by the County Judge
Saami is a dedicated student at Rice University pursuing a major in Social Policy Analysis. With over three years of experience as a gun violence prevention advocate, he is deeply committed to fostering student safety and advancing data-driven strategies to address gun violence effectively.
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Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca – Vice Chair, Voting Member

Appointed by Precinct 4
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Min. Calandrian Simpson Kemp – Secretary, Voting Member

Appointed by Precinct 2

Minister Calandrian Simpson Kemp is the Founder of No Weapon #1 Life Empowerment Foundation. This community violence intervention and prevention organization provides youth development programming for at-risk youth, and supports families impacted by child loss nationwide through the Village of Mothers & Fathers peer support group. Min. Kemp helps protect our schools and the greater community by combatting easy and improper access to firearms and advocating for effective school safety protocols. Through countless interviews, on national levels, conferences, rallies, and advocacy at the legislative and local level, her gun violence prevention message has reached lawmakers, neighbors, parents, educators, and students. 

Min. Kemp lends her voice to various advisory boards in Houston. In 2022, Min. Kemp was appointed by Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia to the Safe School Commission.

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Traci Latson – Retired HISD Teacher, Voting Member

Appointed by Precinct 1
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Jenny McGown – Klein ISD Superintendent, Voting Member

Appointed by Precinct 3
Dr. Jenny McGown, a dedicated and student-focused leader, has served as Klein ISD’s superintendent since 2019, following a distinguished career in the district as a teacher, principal, and executive leader. Recognized nationally for her contributions to education and leadership, she has pioneered innovative student pathways, led Klein ISD to national distinction, and actively serves on multiple educational and community boards. Dr. McGown continues to bring pride to Klein ISD with her numerous awards and accolades including Texas Superintendent of the Year Finalist, Region 4 Superintendent of the Year, and Houston Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO.
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Ashlyn Morton – Student Representative, Voting Member

Appointed by the HCSSC
Ashlyn Morton ,is a senior at Lamar High School with a focus on Broadcast Journalism, Ashlyn is passionate about advocating for educational equity and empowering youth to create systemic change. Through her leadership in grassroots organizing and community initiatives, she strives to amplify underserved voices and promote reform.
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Ngoc Ho – Student Representative, Voting Member

Appointed by the HCSSC

Ngoc Ho is an ambitious freshman at Alief Kerr High School, hoping to pursue diplomacy and international relations in her future career. Advocating for equitable healthcare access and safe community initiatives, she focuses on supporting marginalized communities and youth of color. She envisions a future where every community is safe, inclusive, and empowered, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing opportunities for health, education, and well-being!

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Laurie Christensen – Fire Marshal, Ex-Officio Member

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Leslie Etheridge – Center for Safe and Secure Schools, Ex-Officio Member

Leslie Etheridge, with over 28 years in Law Enforcement and Public Service, is the Director for the Center for Safe and Secure Schools at the Harris County Department of Education. She has held leadership roles at Texas Southern University Police Department and the New York City Police Department. Leslie holds a BA in Criminal Justice from John Jay College, various certifications, and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Organization of Black Law-Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA), and Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT). Her leadership prioritizes community safety, fostering environments where individuals can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

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Ken Culbreath – Region 4 Education Service Center, Ex-Officio Member

Ken Culbreath brings 30 years of public safety experience, including roles as Chief Deputy, Chief of Police, and SWAT team leader. He holds a master’s in public administration with a focus on Disaster and Emergency Management from Sam Houston State University and is a graduate of prestigious leadership programs such as the FBI National Law Enforcement Academy. A recipient of multiple honors, including the U.S. 

House of Representatives Public Safety Hero’s Award and the Combat Cross, Ken has also contributed to critical initiatives like the Operational Review of the Uvalde CISD Police Department. Currently, he serves on key safety teams, including the Houston FBI Threat Management Team and the Harris County Safe Schools Commission, bringing his expertise and passion to fostering secure learning environments.