Parent Testifies on Safety Crisis at Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School

Concerns over safety at Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School (TRES) took center stage during the Howard County Board of Education meeting on April 29, 2025. A parent raised alarming statistics regarding incidents at the school, reporting four attacks on students, three sexual assaults, one weapons violation, and 24 attacks on staff this school year alone. The parent emphasized the urgent need for enhanced support for students with emotional disabilities, who are served by a regional program at TRES.

The testimony highlighted a troubling trend: while student attacks have decreased, incidents involving teachers have surged, with the rate of attacks on staff at TRES reportedly tripling compared to other elementary schools with similar programs. The parent called for dedicated behavioral intervention specialists and adequate staffing to ensure a safe environment for both students and teachers.

In addition to safety concerns, the meeting featured Eric Wong, a freshman board member of SEEDS (Special Education Equal Development Society), who shared the organization’s mission to support special needs children, particularly within the Asian American community. Wong detailed SEEDS' expansion and its focus on providing engaging activities that foster friendships and cognitive development. He also mentioned the importance of community building among families, emphasizing the need for dedicated spaces for summer programs, particularly for swimming, which has proven beneficial for the children involved.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the pressing need for improved safety measures at TRES and the ongoing efforts to support special needs children in Howard County. As the board considers these issues, the community awaits tangible actions to address safety and enhance educational support for vulnerable students.