During a recent government meeting, concerns regarding safety at Northlake Academy were brought to the forefront by educators and parents alike. Jotsna, a teacher at the school, expressed the anxiety felt by staff due to the presence of homeless encampments near the school entrance. She highlighted that while teachers are dedicated to providing quality education, the proximity of these encampments has created an environment of fear and unease, particularly during early mornings and late evenings when the school is quiet.

Jotsna emphasized that the unpredictable behavior of individuals near the school has made it difficult for teachers to focus on their work, impacting their mental and emotional well-being. She called for the relocation of the encampments to ensure a safe environment for both educators and students, stating, \"School should be a safe haven not only for students, but also for educators.\"

Navrit, a parent of two children at Northlake Academy, echoed these sentiments, sharing his own fears for his children's safety. He recounted a distressing incident where the school was placed on lockdown due to a threatening individual. Navrit urged the city of Kirkland to take immediate action to address the situation, asserting that the safety of children should be a priority and that the current circumstances are unacceptable.

Both speakers underscored the need for prompt action from local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the school community, emphasizing that the issue cannot wait for long-term solutions. The meeting highlighted a growing concern among educators and parents about the impact of homelessness on school safety, calling for a collaborative approach to find solutions that respect the needs of all community members.