On Thursday, October 13, the Board of Education unanimously approved the following resolution in strong support of a safe learning environment for students and staff. Board of Education Resolution in Strong Support of a Safe Learning Environment for Students and Staff.
Board of Education Resolution in Strong Support of a Safe Learning Environment for Students and Staff
Whereas the Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education is responsible for the oversight of the district’s affairs (students’ education), personnel and properties[1], including the learning environment of students and staff;
Whereas our Pathways Vision Statement community priorities explicitly emphasize the assessment and improvement of our comprehensive district wide safety and security plans;
Whereas school staff, including teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals and other educators are the most important people in delivering the mission of the district, as guided by the State Education Department and the Board of Education;
Whereas school staff are the most central in the provision and protection of students during school hours;
Therefore, be it resolved that the Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education:
- acknowledges its responsibility in providing an equitable and safe learning environment for all students and staff;
- acknowledges that all of the community and the Board of Education have the safety of students and staff as a primary concern;
- supports the ongoing training and preparation that all students and staff undergo to achieve a safe learning environment;
- condemns all gun violence and attacks on schools;
- encourages all members in the community to follow their legal obligations regarding the secure storage of firearms;
- encourages all stakeholders to communicate with school staff regarding threats to a safe learning environment;
- affirms the collaboration needed between the school district, law enforcement agencies and mental health professionals to fully operationalize a safe learning environment; and
- recommits to provide a safe learning environment to all students and staff at all levels in order to prioritize the teaching and learning process within state law and board policy.
Now, therefore be it resolved that this resolution be included in the official minutes of the Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education Meeting on October 13, 2022, and that a copy be presented to Dr. Michael Patton and all district employees, and made visible on the district website.