Urbandale candidates emphasize prevention, mental health and SRO engagement to address weapons in schools
Summary
Candidates discussed weapons in schools, saying there is no single fix; they proposed training, mental-health supports, clearer consequences and cooperation with police and SROs.
At a candidate forum during the school-day "connections" period, Urbandale school board candidates addressed questions about preventing students from bringing weapons to school, stressing a mix of prevention, mental-health support and law-enforcement cooperation rather than an immediate move to metal detectors.
Rodrigo Santizo, who served 24 years with the Des Moines Police Department and as an SRO, said there is "not a true way, unfortunately to keep everything a 100% safe," and described trade-offs around metal detectors, including funding and the school environment. He urged training for staff and students to identify concerning behavior and encouraged reporting when students see warning signs.
Hannah Horton emphasized prevention and mental-health supports, saying anti-bullying programs and taking reports seriously can reduce violence before it escalates. "It starts with violence prevention before you get to the weapons," she said.
Rachel Kent, the incumbent candidate, noted the district enforces a zero-tolerance policy and that the district has a "wonderful working relationship with Urbandale Police Department." She cautioned that zero-tolerance decisions change students' lives and noted the district has used the policy several times in the last four years.
Candidates suggested follow-up steps after incidents, including meeting with students and parents to understand causes and addressing school- and community-level factors. No candidate proposed a specific new district policy or budget line; speakers framed the issue as one requiring multiple tools — training, SRO partnerships, mental-health resources and appropriate consequences where warranted.
The forum did not include specific votes or formal board directions.
