Jackson Elementary students, PTA and volunteers tell House: gang violence is driving fear in neighborhoods

Five students from Jackson Elementary and school leaders addressed the House during the committee‑of‑the‑whole session, describing day‑to‑day fear and safety problems around their school. Students reported seeing graffiti, alcohol containers and gang members near routes children use to get to school; one sixth‑grader said she was "scared to go on the backside or the front at night alone because I might get shot by gangs."

Principal Marilyn Phillips, PTA president LaDonne McNeil and volunteer coordinator Holly Crumbaugh outlined local prevention efforts, including a volunteer 'Bionic' team (Believe It or Not, I Care), partnerships with Unisys Corporation and Salt Lake City police officers who mentor at‑risk students, and plans to place a part‑time resource officer at the school. Crumbaugh said Unisys has provided funds in past years and the police department contributed seed money for a resource officer; the school is seeking additional community funding to cover remaining costs.

Members thanked the children and school leaders for coming to the Capitol and urged continued coordination between the legislature, schools and law‑enforcement partners. The House briefly resolved into, and then dissolved, the committee of the whole to receive the presentation.

Next steps: Representatives acknowledged existing appropriations and prevention efforts noted by the sponsor; the school asked for continued legislative attention to funding and partnerships to keep students safe.