Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public commenters press district on school safety drills and the Sage contract
Summary
During public comment, residents praised staff response to a recent campus lockdown but urged the district to reassess active‑shooter protocols; another commenter sought clearer accounting and assurances about whether district‑funded ‘Sage’ services use licensed clinicians or interns.
Multiple members of the public addressed the board on May 22, focusing on campus safety procedures and mental‑health services delivered under a contract referred to as "Sage."
Jeremy Vanderhall opened public comment by thanking staff for their response to a recent police chase and campus lockdown at Peninsula High, then asked whether the district’s standard practice—locking down classrooms—remains the best option in every potential active‑shooter scenario. Vanderhall, citing national guidance, said "run hide fight" is the national doctrine and urged the district to examine whether drills and policies include options for running or other tactics that increase chances of survival.
Joan Davidson criticized the recently approved Sage contract and asked the board to disclose the contract’s total cost, the number of students receiving one‑on‑one services, and whether services are provided by licensed marriage and family therapists or by interns. Davidson pressed for better parent notification when students meet with non‑licensed personnel and asked for clearer, quantified reporting tied to the district’s proposed bond ask.
Why it matters: public trust and clarity about mental‑health services and safety protocols can affect community support for funding measures and perceived district accountability.
District response and context Superintendent Dr Serrano and staff acknowledged the public’s concerns. The board did not take immediate action on the Sage contract at the meeting; Joan Davidson’s requests were entered into the public record and staff was asked to provide clarifying information about the contract, the types of providers involved and parent‑notification practices.
What’s next The board and staff agreed to follow up on the contract‑scope and notification questions and to continue safety planning and community engagement ahead of any ballot decisions.
