SD U-46 safety director urges updated contacts, cautious drop-offs and visitor screening ahead of 2025'26 school year

Rich Bosch, director of school safety for SD U-46, outlined safety reminders for families, students and visitors as the district begins the 2025'26 school year. He urged parents to confirm which of the district's 55 schools their child attends and to update phone numbers and emergency contact information so district staff can reach a guardian if needed.

Bosch said parents should "ensure you know what school your child is attending, have updated phone numbers to the school and district, and update any emergency contact information so we're able to get a hold of a parent or guardian." He framed those steps as a first line of response if an incident occurs.

Addressing traffic and route safety, Bosch reminded motorists and students to obey traffic signs and school zone speed limits and to stop for buses when their lights and stop arms are deployed. "Stop for buses when they have their lights and stop arms out on the roadway and in parking lots," he said, and added that students should remove headphones and put away mobile devices when walking or bicycling to school.

On school access, Bosch said visitors must use each building's main entrance ("door 1"), ring the buzzer and have identification ready for the visitor management system because "all our buildings are locked and secured at all times." He described the visitor screening step as routine and intended to keep campuses secure.

Bosch also urged the community to "Practice See Something, Say Something," advising that anyone who observes something "strange, suspicious, or unsafe" should call 911 or tell a trusted adult. He closed by wishing students and staff a safe school year and directing listeners to the district safety page for more information.

The remarks were a brief public reminder rather than a policy announcement; no motions or formal actions were proposed during the remarks.