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Elk Grove Unified board unanimously adopts suicide‑prevention, Constitution Day and civic‑learning resolutions; survivor urges action
Summary
The Elk Grove Unified board unanimously adopted three ceremonial resolutions recognizing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Constitution Day and a civic‑learning initiative; a survivor’s testimony and a parent’s public comment about an IEP denial drew emotional responses and staff follow‑up.
The Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education unanimously adopted three resolutions Thursday: recognizing September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, designating Sept. 17 as Constitution Day, and supporting citizenship and civic learning.
Mr. Singh asked the board to adopt Resolution No. 1 to recognize suicide‑prevention month and cited national statistics, including CDC findings that suicide was among the top causes of death for people ages 10–64 and the second leading cause for people 10–34. “By recognizing suicide prevention awareness month, the district is shedding light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic,” Mr. Singh said.
During the public‑comment period for that item, Kurt Thompson described losing his father to suicide and told the board the experience continues to affect him. “My dad took his own life in the home I spent the majority of my school age years living in… If you are out there and you think your life doesn't matter to anybody, you're wrong,” Thompson said, urging the board to support measures that connect students to services.
The board moved to adopt Resolution No. 1 (moved by Mr. Yang; seconded by Miss Ballerini) and voted aye; the motion carried unanimously.
The board also adopted Resolution No. 4 designating Sept. 17, 2025, as Constitution Day and Resolution No. 3 supporting citizenship and civic learning, which the district said will include resources and professional learning for teachers and make twelfth‑grade students eligible to earn the California State Civic Engagement recognition on their diplomas if they meet requirements.
During the broader public‑comment period, Mark Ostalla urged the board to schedule a formal agenda item after alleging his disabled daughter was denied services and placement last year and that district staff had not adequately communicated about an IEP transfer from another district. Ostalla said he had submitted an agenda request and asked that staff follow up; the president indicated appropriate staff would do so.
All three resolutions were adopted without dissent, and the board recorded motions and seconders in the meeting minutes for each action.
