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Superintendent proposes district safety advisory committee after April 10 shooting; community groups seek seats
Summary
Superintendent Castillo announced a district safety advisory committee—kickoff in June, monthly meetings Aug–Dec, and a January 2027 presentation—while multiple community speakers urged a community‑led, prevention‑focused approach to school safety and called for more mental‑health and behavioral supports.
Superintendent Castillo told trustees the district will establish a safety advisory committee to review and strengthen districtwide safety practices, bringing together district staff, community organizations, mentoring partners, families and student voices, with a timeline that includes a June kickoff and monthly meetings August to December ahead of a January 2027 presentation.
"So safety remains a top priority in Natomas unified," Castillo said, outlining tasks including a needs assessment, identifying outside experts and designing channels for two‑way communication with families. Multiple public commenters then urged the board to include community organizations and parents on any safety task force and to prioritize prevention and mental‑health supports rather than relying solely on reactive or enforcement measures. Camille Sutton said the district should pursue "a community led approach to school safety that includes mental health support," and Jalae Tour of Natomas Black Parents United asked to be included on the advisory council and for the district to make engagement formats accessible to parents.
Trustees heard repeated calls for more behavioral specialists and reading supports, and for safety efforts that combine prevention, accountability and measurable outcomes. District staff said invitations to committee members are being sent and focus groups will inform the council's work.
