In Blog Post #2, a few more thoughts about what matters most to me and from listening to you, my neighbors, matters to you as well. Happy Independence Day!
When we talk about public education, nothing comes before the safety of our students, teachers, and school staff. As a candidate for the Frederick County School Board- Shawnee District, I believe we owe it to every family in our community to make sure our schools are places where children feel protected, where teachers feel respected, and where learning can happen without fear.
I'm proud to be an independent thinker- someone who makes decisions based on facts, data and common sense, and I believe real school safety takes a balanced approach that addresses both physical threats and mental and emotional well-being.
BUILDING ON WHAT WORKS
FCPS has taken important steps recently, including the purchase of additional weapons detection systems to enhance physical security in ALL of our schools. These systems add a layer of protection to help keep weapons out of our buildings, something every board member, parent and educator should support. In a 2022 report from the National Institute of Justice, schools using weapons detection systems experienced a 62% drop in students bringing prohibited items onto school campuses.
I also strongly support the presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) in all of our schools. SROs build meaningful relationships with students, offer real-time crisis response, and serve as a trusted presence in our buildings. Their role is not just enforcement- they're mentors, protectors, and part of the broader support team that keeps schools welcoming and safe. Schools with SROs in Virginia have reported faster emergency response times, increased student trust in law enforcement and improved crisis preparedness.
These efforts, while critical, are just part of the picture.
TRUE SAFETY MEANS CARING FOR THE WHOLE CHILD
We can't ignore the mental health challenges facing our kids today. The pressures they face from academics, social media, and personal struggles lead to anxiety, depression and even self-harm. We need more trained counselors in our schools, earlier mental health education and a culture were asking for help is encouraged and supported.
We need to be smart and proactive about the impacts of social media. Whether it's cyberbullying, misinformation or peer pressure, our students are growing up in a digital world that is always "on." We should equip them with the tools to manage the world responsibly, while also working with families to stay ahead of online risks.
A Data-Drive, Community-Focused Path Forward
If elected to the School Board, I'll work to:
~ Support and plan for responsible technology and safety investments, like the weapons detection systems and school infrastructure upgrades. A focus on data, not drama- real solutions, not rhetoric.
~ Ensure every school continues to have a dedicated SRO who are trained in youth development, de-escalation and relationship-building.
~ Advocate for more mental health resources, including school counselors, crisis teams, and peer support programs.
~ Strengthen digital literacy education to help students and families navigate social media and online threats.
~ Listen to our teachers, staff & parents- because the best safety solutions come from those who live it every day!
LET'S KEEP FREDERICK COUNTY SCHOOLS SAFE & STRONG!
Apologies for the lengthy blog this week, but this is an important topic, and I have a lot of thoughts around it. I'm not here to score points- I want to get things done. School safety is about planning, partnerships, and putting our children first. With smart investments, open communication, and a commitment to doing what's right- not just what's popular- we can make sure every school in Frederick County is a place where students thrive and staff feel supported.
I'd be honored to earn your support- and work together to keep FCPS safe, welcoming, and focused on what matters most: our kids, teachers and our community. # SchoolSafetyMatters #Grassmuck4schoolboard