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Candidates emphasize staff, social-emotional learning and basic protocols to keep students safe and supported
Summary
At the Granite Falls candidate forum, candidates said student safety and sense of belonging hinge on staff engagement, social-emotional learning programs and practical measures like visitor protocols and door greetings. Several candidates recommended additional mental-health resources and expanded social-emotional programs.
Candidates at the student-moderated forum said safety, welcome and support rest primarily on school staff, predictable classroom environments and accessible mental-health resources.
"Our staff is our first touch point with our children," Greg Farley, a candidate for District 5, said, urging staff to listen and provide simple welcomes such as door greetings. Candidates repeatedly recommended social-emotional learning (SEL) programming, with one citing Crossroads High School's SEL emphasis and students reporting a stronger sense of belonging there.
Why it matters: Candidates linked safety and belonging to student attendance and engagement. Multiple speakers said calm, predictable classrooms and respectful peer interactions are foundational to feeling safe. Candidates also raised expanding mental-health resources, "hiring additional psychs," and making outside resources available as steps to better support students.
Details and viewpoints: Suggestions ranged from practical protocols (locked doors and visitor checks) to cultural and programmatic steps (staff and students fostering welcome and kindness, expanded SEL instruction, and more on-site mental-health support). One candidate framed safety as "lock the doors" for visitor control, while others emphasized the role of peer support and relationships.
What remained unspecified: Candidates did not provide specific staffing targets, budgeting proposals or timelines to add counselors or other mental-health staff. No formal district commitments or motions were made at the forum.
Looking ahead: Candidates said the board can support administration in securing resources and asked the community to prioritize mental-health services and SEL programming when considering budget and levy decisions.
