Safety audit survey finds concerns about bathroom and hallway supervision and communication; district promises building-level follow-up

L'Anse Creuse Public Schools released results from a districtwide safety audit survey Wednesday that officials said showed broad agreement on two themes: parents, students and staff want clearer, more consistent communication after incidents, and many respondents perceive gaps in supervision during unstructured times such as passing periods and restroom breaks.

The safety audit was presented at the summer board workshop by the district’s safety staff. The survey drew roughly 2,900 student responses (grades 6–12), 1,579 parent responses and about 1,209 staff responses. Presenters said the data were analyzed at the district and building level and that they had compiled narrative comments into executive summaries to highlight recurring concerns.

Key findings the district highlighted: a subset of parents said they were not confident in the district’s ability to ensure their child’s safety; roughly one-quarter of parents reported concerns about bullying responses and inconsistent discipline; students reported feeling less safe during unstructured times (hallways, restrooms and dismissal); and staff responses included requests for clearer protocols and better communication after incidents. Presenters said staff and parents frequently named communication and transparency as the central issue: “Perception is reality,” the presenter said, noting that whether or not a given practice exists, parents and students judge the district by what they know.

Specific themes and suggested responses included: - Visitor and access control: some parents asked for mandatory ID check‑in and improved visitor systems; district security staff said building entrances are secured during the school day but acknowledged the need to clarify door and check‑in practices for families. - Supervision during passing periods and restrooms: parents and students cited vaping and fights as primary concerns; district safety staff said principals are being asked to prioritize visible supervision at peak times and to review bathroom monitoring plans. - Bullying and discipline: respondents said enforcement felt inconsistent across buildings and that parents wanted clearer communication about outcomes; district officials said federal privacy rules limit what discipline details can be shared but promised clearer, timely statements about how incidents were handled and which code‑of‑conduct provisions were applied. - Mental health and supports: parents and staff called for expanded counseling access; presenters said the district uses external partners for referrals and is exploring ways to increase access to counseling and early intervention programs.

Presenters listed several next steps: producing building‑level reports for principals, meeting with building leadership to review raw comments and executive summaries, updating communication templates for holds/locks/evacuations, and investing in targeted technology upgrades to visitor systems and surveillance where appropriate. The district also confirmed current resources: two school resource officers are assigned districtwide (covering high schools) and security officers serve other buildings; presenters said they will seek ways to increase presence and visibility during peak times.

Board members asked for specifics about implementation and noted the survey was a snapshot in time (administered in May). Several board members urged proactive, repeated communications — including announcing positive, preventive measures (for example, canine sweeps or visibility patrols) so families know the district is actively working — rather than only communicating after an event.

Votes at a glance: At the meeting close the board voted to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Mrs. Herndon; second by Mrs. Ross. Voice vote: all in favor; meeting adjourned.

Ending: District officials said they will schedule follow‑up meetings this fall to review school-level safety findings with principals and will return to the board with a timeline for communications and targeted security upgrades.