Just like many of my fellow parents in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, I nervously send my children to headstart, elementary, middle, and high school every day. The recent surge in lockdowns, alarms, and coded messages have reached a point that makes it hard for us to breathe easy once our kids leave for school. This is our ordeal, our stress, our reality. It’s our duty not only as parents but as community members to ensure that safety is the norm and not an exception in our schools.

According to a study by the National Association of School Psychologists, schools are the second most common location of active shooter incidents. This horrifying static underscores our need to implement additional security measures, including metal detectors in every school.

By enforcing mandatory installation of metal detectors in all Wisconsin Rapids schools, we can detect potential threats and deter harmful behavior. This proactive approach can reduce the risk of violent incidents and provide much-needed peace of mind for us as parents, knowing that our children are safe at school.

We understand that the monetary expense is significant, but can we really put a price on making our children feel secure in their learning environment? Our children’s safety should be our utmost priority.

Please, stand with me in urging the Wisconsin Rapids City officials and School Committee to mandate the installation of metal detectors in all local schools to enhance student safety. Sign this petition, and let's secure our children's future together.