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Central Elementary teachers urge board to fence TK and kindergarten play area after elopement
Summary
Two Central Elementary teachers told the Escondido Union School District board that a recent student elopement and ongoing elopement risks for students with special needs make installing secure fencing and reliable communication equipment a priority; teachers asked the board to include the work in the upcoming budget, ideally over summer.
At a public-comment segment of the Escondido Union School District board meeting, two Central Elementary teachers urged the board to prioritize installation of secure fencing and gates around the transitional-kindergarten and kindergarten playground to prevent student elopement.
“My name is Tay So to, and I'm here tonight to respectfully ask for your support in improving the safety of our youngest students at Central Elementary School through the installation of a secure fencing gates around the TK and kindergarten playground area,” a special-education teacher said, arguing that young children are naturally curious and a physical barrier is an essential layer of protection. She added that summer is the best time to do the work when students are off campus.
Transitional-kindergarten teacher Carmen Peralta gave a specific example of the risk: “Last school year, 1 of my students exited the campus through a side door that led towards the street… She crossed the street, entered a nearby business, and made her way up the 2nd Floor before she was located and safely returned to school.” Peralta also said that special-education staff sometimes lack functioning walkie-talkies, which hampers response when a student elopes.
Both speakers asked the board to prioritize the project in the 2026–27 budget process. Board members acknowledged the safety concern during later member reports and said district staff will consider the request alongside site priorities and budget constraints.
