The MSAD 51 School Board meeting held on March 18, 2024, featured a significant discussion on gun safety, led by Anne Sawchuk, a volunteer with the Be Smart program. Sawchuk expressed gratitude to the school board, administration, and the Cumberland Police Department for their commitment to enhancing community safety through the approval of a letter addressing secure storage and gun safety.

During her address, Sawchuk highlighted alarming statistics regarding gun violence, noting that guns have become the leading cause of death for American children and teens. She pointed out that since February 2018, there have been over 100 school shooting incidents annually in the United States, with a concerning trend of increasing numbers. She emphasized that a substantial portion of school shooters obtained their firearms from a parent or relative's home, underscoring the importance of secure gun storage.

Sawchuk also referenced Maine's troubling statistics, including two recent shootings and a high rate of gun-related suicides in the Northeast. She noted that accidental shootings involving children have occurred in the state, with national figures indicating that over 350 children unintentionally shoot themselves or others each year.

The speaker acknowledged Maine's strong tradition of gun ownership but stressed the need for responsible storage practices. She urged adults to ensure firearms are stored unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition, emphasizing that safety is an adult responsibility. Sawchuk encouraged parents to take proactive steps to prevent children from accessing unsecured firearms, advocating for the Be Smart program's five key safety measures.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement in gun safety discussions, with Be Smart offering resources and trained presenters to support the MSAD 51 community in promoting secure gun storage practices. The board's approval of the letter marks a proactive step towards fostering a safer environment for students and families in Cumberland.