Parent tells Marana Unified board incidents left families "unshakable" about safety; urges clearer communication

Amber Jones, a parent of two district students, told the Marana Unified School District Governing Board that recent safety incidents have left families deeply concerned and asked the district to involve parents more directly in safety planning and communications.

“This year, Marana Middle School received a detailed online threat targeting the school. Less than a month later, a student brought a loaded gun to Gladden Farms Elementary, and fortunate for us all, was stopped before bringing it to campus again,” Jones said. “These incidences were specific, real, and alarming events that have left an unshakable concern among parents.”

Jones said she appreciates district steps already taken, including a safety coordinator and school resource officer, but argued that “this issue demands more than positions or procedures” and asked the board and Superintendent Doctor Streeter to “make space for families in these conversations.” She urged clearer expectations for communication after serious incidents and timely responses to parent inquiries.

Jones framed the request as a partnership: “Families can be one of your strongest lines of defense, but only if we're invited in.” The meeting record shows no separate board action taken immediately following the public comment; safety topics were discussed in public comment but did not yield an agenda motion during the special meeting.

The board did not record a formal vote or direct policy action on safety during the meeting; district officials presented other items on the agenda (budget, compensation, agreements) that were subsequently approved.