Granite Bay parent urges school board to enhance campus security measures

The Eureka Union School District (EUSD) held its regular board meeting on May 5, 2025, where several key topics were discussed, including employee recognition and public safety concerns raised by community members.

The meeting began with a celebration of outstanding staff members, highlighting the nominees for the Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year awards. Steve Kinloch from Ridgeview was recognized as Teacher of the Year, while Holly Smith was named Counselor of the Year, and Carissa Brown received the award for Classified Employee of the Year. These awards, which will be formally presented at a ceremony on May 19, reflect the district's commitment to acknowledging the hard work and dedication of its employees.

Following the recognition segment, the meeting transitioned to public comments, where community member Stephanie Petrocovitz addressed the board regarding serious safety concerns. Petrocovitz, whose daughter was involved in an attempted kidnapping near a school, expressed her fears about the district's open school concept and the potential risks it poses to children. She emphasized the need for enhanced security measures, drawing attention to recent incidents, including a school shooting in a nearby area. Petrocovitz urged the board to consider implementing more secure campus designs, similar to those at other schools, to ensure the safety of students.

Additionally, Petrocovitz raised concerns about the lack of outdoor education programs at Excelsior, noting that many families feel this absence creates an inequity in educational opportunities within the district. She called for the board to address these disparities and restore outdoor education to enhance the learning experience for all students.

The meeting underscored the importance of recognizing staff contributions while also highlighting pressing community concerns about student safety and educational equity. As the board moves forward, it will need to consider these issues carefully, balancing recognition of achievements with the urgent need for improved safety protocols and equitable educational offerings across the district.