Parent urges district to revise East High School safety plan amid serious concerns

The Board of Education meeting held on March 11, 2025, in New York focused on critical discussions surrounding the district-wide safety plan, particularly concerning East High School. The meeting began with a public comment from a concerned parent, who highlighted significant deficiencies in the current safety protocols at East High School.

The parent expressed frustration over the lack of response to previous comments submitted regarding the safety plan, emphasizing that the existing procedures do not adequately address the unique layout of East High School, which lacks traditional classroom walls and doors. This design flaw raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of lockdown procedures, as many of the recommended practices cannot be implemented in the school's current structure.

During the address, the parent detailed that during lockdown drills, students and staff are instructed to huddle in corners of their classrooms, leaving them exposed. The parent criticized this approach, stating that it does not constitute a viable safety plan and urged the board to reconsider the strategies in place. They suggested that collaboration with local law enforcement, specifically the Armored 1 company, could provide valuable insights into developing a more effective safety plan tailored to the school's needs.

The parent concluded their remarks by calling for urgent discussions with law enforcement and safety experts to enhance the safety measures at East High School, stressing that the current plan is insufficient to protect students and staff during emergencies.

Following this public comment, the board acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that further discussions would be necessary to address the safety issues highlighted. The meeting underscored the pressing need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols, particularly in schools with unique structural challenges. The board's next steps will likely involve engaging with safety experts and law enforcement to develop a more effective and practical safety plan for East High School.