At Escalante Elementary, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priorities. As part of the Salt Lake City School District's ongoing commitment to school safety, and to comply with Utah House Bill 44 that took effect in May 2026, our school will have an Armed Security Guard, Christopher Valladolid.
House Bill 44 requires that all schools in the state have an armed guardian present during the school day. As a district, we have hired some security guards to help us meet this obligation.
Chris is a professional, trained by Salt Lake County law enforcement and certified by the state of Utah, whose primary responsibility is to help maintain a safe, welcoming, and secure school environment. He will work closely with school administration to support campus safety while building positive relationships with students, staff, and families.
What Does Our Armed Security Guard Do?
He will help us in a variety of ways by:
· Monitoring school entrances and school grounds.
· Supporting safety during arrival, dismissal, lunch, assemblies, and other school events.
· Assisting with visitor check-in procedures.
· Communicating with school administration about any safety concerns.
· Serving as an additional caring adult who helps promote a safe and positive school environment.
What our Armed Security Guard Does Not Do
He is not responsible for student discipline or routine behavior management. They do not question, search, or detain students and do not have access to student educational records. Student behavior and disciplinary decisions continue to be addressed by school administrators.
Armed Security Guards have no law enforcement authority beyond what is permitted to all private persons under Utah law but may (at the school employed) take actions necessary to prevent or abate an active threat from a person who has committed or is about to commit a forcible felony.
Our Commitment to Families
We are committed to creating a school where every child feels safe, supported, and welcomed. The addition of our Armed Security Guard is one more way we are strengthening that commitment. We believe that strong relationships, a positive school
culture, and proactive safety measures work together to create the best possible learning environment for our students.
We look forward to partnering with our families to ensure that our school continues to be a place where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
