In a story published July 16 in the Katy Times, Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 1 Chad Norvell outlined challenges faced by local law enforcement officers who are battling safety problems presented by the rapid growth in unlicensed electric motorcycles – especially around schools. Norvell teamed up with Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Terry Allbritton to send a letter to Katy ISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski on May 21 requesting that the district ban such vehicles from the district’s campuses.

In that article Norvell said that he had not yet received a response from KISD, despite a follow-up email to the district on June 21.

In response to an inquiry from the Katy Times, a spokesperson for the Katy Independent School District responded to the July 16 Katy Times story in an email on July 17.

“The district is aware of the Constable’s statements regarding his letter about ‘unregistered electric motorcycles’ and ‘similar high-powered devices.’ ” a media relations spokesperson for Katy ISD said in the July 17 statement to the Katy Times. “The Katy ISD Police Department did, in fact, communicate with the Constable regarding the concerns raised.”

The statement from KISD did not include additional details on when and how the communication with Constable Norvell took place.

“The district does not currently permit high-speed electric motorcycles and similar high-powered devices to be ridden on school campuses when in session,” the KISD statement said. “Outside of school property, the operation of e-bikes and motor vehicles on public streets is governed by Texas law and any applicable local ordinances. Enforcement of those laws and ordinances is the responsibility of local law enforcement agencies.”

“Katy ISD values its strong partnerships with the more than 15 law enforcement agencies that serve the district’s 181-square-mile footprint across Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller counties,” the spokesperson said. “The district supports these agencies in their enforcement of applicable laws and remains committed to working collaboratively with our public safety partners to promote the safety and well-being of our students, staff and community."