Parents demand transparency following alarming safety incident at BCSIS Elementary

The Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) held its regular meeting on April 8, 2025, where several significant issues were raised by community members regarding school leadership and safety incidents. The meeting featured a series of public comments that highlighted concerns about the recent decision to consolidate leadership roles at local schools and the district's communication following a safety incident.

The first speaker addressed the controversial decision to appoint a single principal for two schools, expressing support for the model while emphasizing the need for adequate resources and support for the new leadership. The speaker underscored the importance of having a permanent dean at the high school to ensure that students receive the necessary support, particularly in a community facing challenges related to poverty.

Following this, Tanya Corvallon, a trustee and parent, criticized the decision-making process regarding the principal's appointment, describing it as lacking transparency and respect for parents and staff. She expressed concern over the consolidation of roles, arguing that it places too much responsibility on one individual without adequate discussion or competitive hiring practices. Corvallon also highlighted the need for a permanent dean to advocate for students who may be at risk of falling behind.

The meeting then shifted focus to a serious safety incident that occurred at BCSIS Elementary School on April 3. Multiple parents voiced their frustrations regarding the district's communication following the event, which involved a disruptive adult outside the classroom. Parents reported that their children were traumatized and expressed disappointment over the delayed and vague responses from school officials. They called for greater transparency about the incident and the measures being taken to ensure student safety.

Sarah Colomina, one of the parents, detailed how her child and classmates were directly affected by the incident, noting that they were left without adequate information or support from the school. Other parents echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the need for timely and clear communication from the district to help alleviate their children's fears and confusion.

Katie Hakam and Stephanie Watran also raised similar concerns, stressing that the lack of detailed communication undermines trust in the school and poses risks to student well-being. They urged the school board to improve its response protocols and ensure that parents are kept informed about safety incidents involving their children.

In conclusion, the BVSD meeting highlighted critical issues surrounding school leadership and safety communication. Community members expressed a strong desire for transparency and support from the district, emphasizing the need for effective leadership and timely communication to foster a safe and nurturing educational environment. The board is expected to address these concerns in future discussions and actions.