Concerns over student safety took center stage at the Thompson School District's Board of Education meeting on December 18, 2024, as parents voiced their fears regarding a recent incident involving a janitor at Erwin Middle School. During the public comment section, a parent representing the Erwin community raised alarming questions about the safety protocols in place for students, particularly in light of a disturbing event that had occurred at the school.

The parent expressed deep concern over the emotional impact on students who witnessed police activity related to the janitor, who was subsequently fired. "We want to know if our kids are even safe attending the schools," the parent stated, highlighting the distress felt by families in the district. The speaker demanded accountability and transparency regarding the investigation into the incident, questioning why previous warnings about the janitor's behavior had been overlooked.

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the district's policies on staff conduct and student safety. The parent emphasized the need for the district to implement stronger measures to protect students from potential harm, stating, "This shouldn't happen in our schools. We send our kids to school expecting them to be safe."

In addition to the safety concerns, the meeting also featured discussions about the Thompson Education Foundation's recent initiatives, including the awarding of grants to support innovative projects for students. However, the gravity of the safety issues raised overshadowed these positive developments, leaving many in attendance anxious for answers and reassurances from the board.

As the meeting concluded, the board was left with pressing questions about how to address these serious concerns and what steps would be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all students in the district moving forward.