Community member presses Eatonville board on school violence, bullying and staffing

During public comment, a community member who identified himself as a parent said recent violence captured on school cameras has left some families fearful and called on the board to hold meetings with staff and parents to address bullying and safety concerns.

"Our schools are not safe and there's physical violence that is taking place on school grounds on school camera," the speaker said, urging the board to investigate and meet with employees about why staff are leaving. He said one parent had pulled her child out of school after a severe incident and had chosen to homeschool.

The commenter also described a separate bus incident in which a student refused to leave a middle-school bus and required a parent or adult to remove the student, causing a delay. He asked the board to take action so students would not be forced to share classrooms with people who have been violent toward them.

Board members responded that they would follow up with staff and the family. One board member told the speaker, "I'll speak to Mom and see if she was very talk to you," indicating staff would attempt direct outreach to the affected family. The board did not take any formal vote during public comment.

The public comment underscores concerns voiced by at least one parent about student safety, bullying and employee retention; the board's next steps are limited to internal follow-up unless the district takes a formal response or investigation.