Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Parent urges board to act after alleged fentanyl overdose, other safety incidents at Stratton Elementary park
Loading...
Summary
A parent told the Raleigh County Schools board that an alleged fentanyl overdose, reports of gunshots and underage drinking near Stratton Elementary park have raised safety concerns and asked the district to work with police and city leaders on measures such as gated hours and increased patrols.
A parent told the Raleigh County Schools board on Tuesday that a string of disturbing incidents at Stratton Elementary park — including what she described as an unresponsive man found from a suspected fentanyl overdose — has left families fearful and asking for immediate action.
"This past Saturday or Sunday, a man was found unresponsive from an alleged fentanyl overdose at Stratton Elementary School grounds," Alicia Dowden said during the public comment period. Dowden, who identified herself as "a concerned parent," also reported seeing trash and broken bottles, said she had heard of gunshots in the area and said children had encountered vapes and other risky behavior.
Dowden said the problems appear to intensify in warmer weather and urged the board not to close the park outright because children use the basketball court. She proposed practical responses including installing a gate so the park could be closed by 8:30 p.m., arranging hourly patrols inside and outside the park, and coordinating with the police and city leadership to make the area safer for students and neighborhood children.
"We do have a police station there but I have spoken with the chief of police in the past and they said they do not have the staffing to occupy that space," Dowden said, adding that the goal was to keep the playground usable for children while reducing the risks created by older teens and adults.
Board members did not take immediate formal action during the meeting; the comment was heard during the public-comment portion of the agenda. The board agenda that evening moved on to routine reports and presentations, including school recognition and a PBIS presentation from a middle school principal.
The statement to the board named Stratton Elementary park as the site of concern and asked district leaders to coordinate with city and law-enforcement officials. Dowden said she will also raise the matter with city council and urged the board "just think about it, please."
