As a concerned parent whose children attend Black Forest Hills Elementary in Aurora, CO, I am deeply disturbed by the events that transpired on April 19th within the Cherry Creek School District. The failure of the school district's administrators to establish a secure perimeter and adequately respond to an incident has left many parents, including myself, questioning their ability to ensure our children's safety.

We are asking for:

Administrative Review: We request a comprehensive review of the roles and responses of all personnel involved in the incident, including the principal, teachers' assistants, and any district personnel who were notified or potentially present. Specific attention should be paid to those who failed to advise the establishment of a secure perimeter or to initiate other critical safety protocols. Each of these individuals should be temporarily relieved of any duties involving direct student supervision or the follow-up and response to this incident, until the investigation is complete. This measure is crucial not only to ensure the integrity of the investigation but also to restore confidence in the leadership among parents and students

Independent Oversight: Due to failures involving various levels of district and school leadership and staff, we strongly advocate for the appointment of an independent party, well-versed in school safety protocols, to oversee a comprehensive investigation. This independent review should encompass decisions made at every level, ensuring an unbiased evaluation of the events and responses. This investigation must lead to transparent and trustworthy conclusions and recommendations for systemic improvements.

Open Communication: We urge the school to hold an open meeting this week with parents to address the incident comprehensively. This meeting should aim to clarify the events, discuss the steps being taken to address the failures, and dispel any rumors or misinformation circulating among the school community. Additionally, we request that, at the earliest opportunity which does not impede the prosecution of the suspect, parents be allowed to view the surveillance video of the incident. This will aid in a clearer understanding of the sequence of events and ensure all information shared is accurate and transparent. Regular written updates should also be provided to all parents as the investigation progresses.

Enhanced Security Measures: In light of the information about unauthorized individuals on campus, we demand an immediate review and strengthening of campus security protocols to ensure such breaches do not recur. Regular audits of these measures should be conducted, with findings shared with the parent community.

Please join me in demanding action by signing this petition today.