08/17/2026
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In 2019, the Arkansas State Legislature passed Act 629, which authorized school districts to establish their own police departments.
This spring, after careful consideration, the Lavaca Public Schools administration and Board of Directors unanimously determined that having a dedicated, on-duty law enforcement officer on our campuses was in the best interest of the safety and security of our students and staff. As a result, the district began the process of establishing a school-based police department.
On June 9, 2026, after meeting all required qualifications and standards, Lavaca Public Schools received authorization from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST) to establish the Lavaca Public Schools Police Department.
Our Director of Safety and Security, Scott McDonald, now serves as Chief McDonald and will provide a consistent, on-duty law enforcement presence across our campuses. His role will focus on maintaining a safe and secure learning environment while supporting the students, staff, and families of Lavaca Public Schools.
It is important to clarify that the Lavaca Public Schools Police Department is a separate law enforcement agency from the Lavaca Police Department. Our school police department will work collaboratively with local law enforcement and other emergency response agencies whenever necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of our school community.