Ensuring Safety in Wayzata Schools: A Commitment to Our Children

The Importance of Safety in Our Schools

Every parent knows the feeling. You drop your child off at school and trust that they’ll be safe, supported, and cared for. Safety isn’t just about secure doors or cameras; it’s about creating an environment where every child can learn without fear, distraction, or disruption. For me, as a mom and lifelong advocate for others, ensuring that safety is real will always be a top priority.

Wayzata’s school board has long identified student and staff safety as a core responsibility. District leaders emphasize both physical security—investments in facilities, emergency preparedness, and secure entries—and the social-emotional side of safety, like strong behavior policies, fair discipline, and accessible mental health supports. Teachers have voiced concerns that staffing cuts and schedule changes have increased disruptive behavior and stretched their ability to manage classrooms effectively. Families, too, have stressed the need for consistent communication and transparency around safety incidents.

The Impact of Safety on Learning

When schools are safe, students can focus on learning. When they are not, everything suffers. Safety is not just about preventing worst-case scenarios. It also means making sure every student feels they belong, that their classroom is a stable place to grow. Our schools are among the best in the state, but we cannot take safety for granted. The foundation of excellence is trust. And trust starts with knowing our kids are safe.

My Commitment to Safety

My entire career has been dedicated to protecting others. As a prosecutor, I stood up for victims of crime. In animal rescue, I fought for vulnerable lives with no voice of their own. And as a mother, I’ve advocated every day for my children. This experience has shaped how I see my role on the school board: to be a protector and an advocate for every child in our district.

I align closely with the district’s current approach: physical safety, consistent discipline, and strong mental health supports must work hand in hand. I also believe we need to listen closely to parents, teachers, and students when they raise concerns. We must ensure our policies are enforced consistently and that we communicate openly about incidents and responses. Safety is not negotiable.

A Community Commitment to Safety

As a community, we owe it to our children to make safety our top priority. This must be our daily commitment. That means investing wisely, listening carefully, and holding ourselves accountable. I will bring the same determination I’ve shown as an attorney, advocate, and mom to ensure Wayzata schools remain places where every child is safe, supported, and ready to thrive.

Building a Safe Environment Together

To foster a safe environment, we need to engage all stakeholders. This includes parents, teachers, students, and community members. By working together, we can create a culture of safety that permeates every aspect of our schools. We must prioritize open lines of communication. Regular updates about safety measures and incidents will help build trust among families and staff.

A key part of that partnership includes maintaining strong relationships with our local law enforcement. School Resource Officers (SROs) play a vital role in prevention, rapid response, and community trust. When trained well, SROs serve as mentors and safety partners—not just enforcers—helping ensure that students, staff, and families feel supported and protected.

Investing in Resources

Investing in safety resources is crucial. This includes funding for mental health professionals, training for staff on conflict resolution, and programs that promote positive behavior. We must also consider the physical infrastructure of our schools. Upgrading facilities to ensure they are secure is a vital step in safeguarding our children.

To strengthen these efforts, we should periodically conduct a comprehensive facilities audit—evaluating every campus for potential security gaps, from door entry systems and camera coverage to cybersecurity safeguards that protect sensitive student data. Proactive reviews help the district stay ahead of emerging risks and make sure our safety investments are both effective and up to date.

Encouraging Student Involvement

Students can play a significant role in promoting safety. Encouraging them to participate in safety committees or programs can empower them to take ownership of their environment. When students feel they have a voice, they are more likely to contribute positively to the school culture.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

In conclusion, safety in our schools is a shared responsibility. It requires commitment, collaboration, and continuous improvement. I am dedicated to ensuring that every child in the Wayzata School District feels safe and supported. Together, we can create an environment where our children can thrive academically and emotionally.

Let’s make safety our top priority. It’s not just about protecting our children; it’s about nurturing their potential. I invite everyone in our community to join me in this vital mission. Together, we can ensure that Wayzata schools remain a place where every child can learn, grow, and succeed.