On February 1st, a SKHS student was thrown to the ground and taken away in handcuffs after an argument with the police officer assigned to the High School. Witnesses report the officer unnecessarily escalated the situation and that the student was no threat to anyone. The School Committee has so far left the investigation up to the SKPD, with no oversight. This comes weeks after students were locked in a bathroom by an administrator.  We are asking for an independent investigation and that the school administration take concrete steps to prioritize de-escalation and training rather than criminalizing children's behavior.

Please send an email to ask the School Committee to ensure a safe environment for all students.

Specifically, we are asking for the following:

1) a full investigation of these incidents by a qualified independent organization.

2) continued suspension of the use of the SRO at the HS for the rest of the school year and a full review of the use of Police in the schools (or pending the results of the investigation)

3) intensive and ongoing anti-bias, anti-racist, de-escalation, and restorative justice training for elementary, middle, and high school administration and staff and any SRO stationed at district schools in the future.

4) if SROs are reinstated in the schools, they will not be authorized to question or confront children without the presence of a parent for non-violent offenses where there is not an immediate threat of danger.

5) that the School Committee immediately add a clause to the anti-racism, anti-discrimination & anti-harassment policy protecting students and staff against retaliation for reporting incidents of racism, discrimination and harassment.

6) increase support staff at the school; including guidance counselors, mental health providers, and mediators who are trained in conflict resolution and restorative justice. The number of support staff should remain at an appropriate proportion to meet the needs of the school community without being overworked.

7) that the school district and town council include line items in the upcoming budget cycle to support the additional support staff and training opportunities listed above.