Every child deserves to feel safe at school, both physically and emotionally, and on the way to and from school.

 

When we talk about school safety, we cannot limit the conversation to emergency drills, security measures, or what happens at the front door. Safety means that a student should be able to walk into a classroom, hallway, cafeteria, athletic field, or school bus knowing that the adults responsible for them are creating an environment where they are protected and respected.

 

Our students deserve to feel safe from ceilings falling on their heads, from bullying that is allowed to continue without adequate intervention, and from the occasional adult whose anger or frustration is inappropriately directed toward students. They also deserve to feel safe walking, biking, or riding to and from school.

 

These are different challenges, but they share one fundamental principle: our children are entitled to a safe learning environment, and the adults responsible for our schools have an obligation to provide it. 

 

That requires accountability.

 

We need facilities that are properly maintained and hazards addressed before they become emergencies. We need meaningful and consistent responses to bullying. We need clear expectations for professional conduct and appropriate intervention when those expectations are not met. And we need to work with our municipal partners to identify and address safety concerns along the routes students use to get to and from school.

 

Safety also requires listening. Students and families should have accessible ways to report concerns and confidence that those concerns will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately.

 

If elected, I will make school safety a priority and ensure the policies we have put in place are working.

 

Our children should never have to wonder whether they are safe at school. They should know it.

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