Creating Safe Spaces: Susie Cubas’ Roadmap for a Safer Garvey School District
Ensuring the safety and security of our students, teachers, and staff is of paramount importance to me as a candidate for the Garvey School District Board, Trustee Area No. 2. As a mother and advocate for education, I understand the worries parents have when sending their children to school each day. I’m committed to creating an environment where every student can focus on learning without the fear of insecurity or harm. In this detailed article, I’ll outline my school safety plan, provide resources I aim to apply for, and share a Q&A section to answer pressing questions parents and community members may have.
Comprehensive School Safety Plan
The safety and security of our schools encompass a variety of elements—from physical infrastructure and emergency preparedness to mental health support and community involvement. Here’s how I plan to address each area.
1. Upgraded Security Infrastructure
Modernizing school safety measures starts with upgrading our current infrastructure. While our schools have basic security protocols in place, many of these measures are outdated or insufficient for the growing safety concerns we face today.
Steps I Plan to Take:
Install Surveillance Systems: I will advocate for the installation of advanced security cameras at entry points, hallways, and public areas across all schools in the district. Surveillance footage will allow for real-time monitoring and assist authorities in case of emergencies.
Controlled Access Systems: Implementing electronic entry systems will ensure that all visitors must check in before entering the premises. Only authorized personnel and visitors will be allowed access, ensuring a more controlled environment.
Emergency Alarm Upgrades: Schools will be equipped with advanced alarm systems that include silent alerts for quicker responses in emergency situations. These upgrades will work hand-in-hand with local law enforcement.
2. Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Response
A key component of school safety is ensuring that both students and staff are prepared for emergencies. Natural disasters, fire outbreaks, or external threats require clear, practiced procedures.
Steps I Plan to Take:
Regular Drills and Training: Every school will participate in regular emergency drills, including fire, earthquake, lockdown, and evacuation protocols. Teachers and staff will be trained annually on how to respond in different crisis scenarios.
Crisis Response Teams: I will establish crisis response teams in each school composed of teachers, administrative staff, and mental health professionals. These teams will be trained to handle emergency situations, including dealing with students who may be in distress.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Building strong relationships with local law enforcement is vital. I plan to initiate regular meetings between schools and local authorities to review and refine emergency plans.
3. Mental Health and Emotional Safety
Safety isn’t just about physical security. Students' mental and emotional well-being is equally critical. In today’s world, students face immense pressure from social, academic, and personal challenges, and it’s our job to support their mental health needs.
Steps I Plan to Take:
Hiring More School Counselors: One counselor for every 500 students is not enough. I will advocate for hiring more counselors and psychologists who can provide one-on-one support to students in need.
Training Staff on Mental Health Awareness: Every teacher and staff member will be trained in recognizing early warning signs of emotional distress or mental health issues, ensuring students receive timely interventions.
Peer Support Programs: Schools will benefit from peer mentoring programs where students can serve as mental health advocates. These peer support systems can help destigmatize mental health challenges and foster a more inclusive environment.
4. Parent and Community Involvement
The strength of our schools lies in the collaboration between the schools and the community. It’s critical that parents and local businesses are engaged in creating a safer learning environment.
Steps I Plan to Take:
Parent Safety Committees: I plan to establish safety committees composed of parents who can provide input and help oversee safety initiatives. Their insights will be vital to ensure that the needs of students and families are being met.
Community Partnerships: Partnering with local businesses and community organizations to create safe spaces for students after school is essential. I envision collaborations that will offer safe, supervised locations where students can go if they need support outside of school hours.
Volunteer Patrol Programs: Working with the community, I will support the creation of volunteer patrol programs where parents can help monitor school premises, ensuring students are safe as they arrive and leave school.
Resources and Funding Opportunities
Making these changes requires adequate funding. I plan to apply for several state and federal resources to ensure that our district has the funds necessary to implement these safety improvements.
1. State and Federal School Safety Grants
There are numerous grants designed to enhance school safety. I will apply for the following:
The STOP School Violence Grant Program: This federal program provides funding to improve school security, develop safety measures, and offer mental health resources. Funds can be used for things like surveillance technology, crisis response training, and violence prevention programs.
California School Safety and Violence Prevention Grant: This grant offers financial resources for security infrastructure upgrades and programs aimed at preventing bullying, violence, and substance abuse.
Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Funding: This California-specific program supports mental health initiatives in schools. I will apply for funding to hire more counselors and implement peer support systems.
2. Partnerships with Local Businesses
Local businesses can play an important role in helping schools by donating resources or funding safety initiatives. I plan to create sponsorship opportunities that allow local businesses to directly support our safety goals, particularly in areas like mental health and after-school programs.
3. Crowdsourcing and Community Fundraisers
Community-driven fundraisers can also contribute to funding safety projects. I will work with parent committees to organize fundraisers aimed specifically at enhancing security measures or supporting student mental health services.
10 Q&A on School Safety
Q1: Why is upgrading school security infrastructure a priority? A: In today’s world, schools face a range of security challenges. Upgrading infrastructure ensures we are prepared for emergencies and can keep our students and staff safe.
Q2: How will you make sure that all schools in the district benefit from safety upgrades? A: I will work with administrators to ensure that security upgrades are evenly distributed across the district, prioritizing schools with the greatest need first.
Q3: Will you provide mental health support as part of school safety? A: Absolutely. Mental health is a critical component of safety, and I am committed to hiring more counselors and implementing peer support programs to address emotional well-being.
Q4: How will you involve parents in the school safety process? A: I will establish parent safety committees in each school, allowing parents to have direct input into safety initiatives and stay informed about changes.
Q5: How will you fund these safety initiatives? A: I will apply for state and federal grants, such as the STOP School Violence Grant Program, and partner with local businesses to secure the necessary funding.
Q6: What role will the community play in improving school safety? A: I believe in fostering strong community partnerships. Local businesses can contribute to safety initiatives, and parents can participate in volunteer patrol programs to enhance school security.
Q7: What training will be provided to teachers and staff? A: Teachers and staff will receive annual training in crisis response, mental health awareness, and emergency preparedness to ensure they are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.
Q8: How will you improve security technology in schools? A: I will push for the installation of advanced security systems, including cameras, electronic access controls, and upgraded emergency alarms.
Q9: How will you address bullying and harassment in schools? A: By implementing peer mentoring programs and providing more counselors, we can create a more supportive environment where students feel safe reporting bullying and harassment.
Q10: How will you measure the success of these initiatives? A: Success will be measured through regular safety audits, surveys of students and parents, and feedback from school safety committees.
Reaching Out: Let’s Work Together for a Safer School District
I believe that together, we can create a safer, more secure learning environment for our children. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or community member, your voice matters. Please feel free to reach out to me with your ideas, concerns, or questions about my school safety plan.
Contact Information:
Phone: +1-626-553-0559
Email: info@voteforsusiecubas.com
