Dear Editor: School safety requires urgent, evidence-based action. The Oct. 15 shooting at a high school in Bend, Oregon, underscores the continuing threat of violence in schools. Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) should take measurable steps to protect students and employees.Remembering Abundant LifeOn Dec. 16, 2024, a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison killed a teacher and a student and injured six others. That tragedy demands sustained attention to prevention, emergency response and security.$607 million approved: Make safety a priorityOn Nov. 5, 2024, Madison voters approved two MMSD referendums totaling $607 million. Families deserve clear information about security improvements completed, remaining needs, costs and timelines.Three immediate actionsI urge the Board and superintendent to:• Review security assessments and address critical vulnerabilities without disclosing sensitive details.• Include school-safety priorities, funding and timelines in the 2027 budget.• Hold a public hearing on whether to reinstate highly trained school resource officers (SROs) at Madison’s four comprehensive high schools.SROs cannot replace secure entrances, classroom locks, prevention programs or emergency planning, but their potential role merits public discussion.The board should adopt a formal resolution advancing these priorities. Our children’s safety cannot wait. Let us act with urgency, transparency and care.A.J. Nino AmatoEmeritus, UW System Board of Regents and K-16 public education policy advocate
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