Parent raises concern after student brought knife to Charles Reed Elementary, says police not notified

A Plainfield SD 202 parent told the school board on May 21 that a student brought a knife to Charles Reed Elementary and that he was not contacted by school administrators afterward. The parent, Zach Roberts, said the incident occurred on May 9 during afternoon pickup outside Door E and that he turned the knife in to the school's administrative office.

"I immediately turned that knife into the administrative office," Roberts said during the public-comment period. He said he was not interviewed by the principal and that, in his view, the Joliet Police Department was not notified. "At no point was I called in to say or ask a question regarding this, the confiscation of the knife," Roberts told the board. He said he had discussed the matter with a staff member, "Ms. Orlos," before bringing the item to public comment and urged the board to ensure district staff take safety policies seriously.

Before public comment began, the presiding official reminded attendees that the board would not engage in debate with speakers. "This is a meeting in public, not a public meeting," Mr. Westfall said, setting the expectation that the board would receive comments but not respond during the session.

The board did not take action or request a follow-up during the meeting; Roberts' remarks were recorded as part of the public-comment period. The transcript does not show that district leaders or police confirmed the parent's account during the meeting. Roberts said similar incidents have occurred previously at Charles Reed and asked the board to "get on top of issues like this."