We, the undersigned parents, guardians, and community members of the Owego Apalachin School District, are deeply concerned about the lack of safety measures surrounding our children’s schools and playgrounds.

Currently, neither of the Apalachin Elementary school playgrounds have protective fencing.  One of the open areas directly backs up to wooded trails and public access points, creating unsafe and uncontrolled exposure for our children. This issue became particularly alarming in light of a recent incident where individuals were seen walking through the woods with pellet guns, with the ability to approach or even fire toward the playgrounds. This was an incredibly frightening situation for students, staff, and parents, and it underscored the urgent need for stronger safety protocols.

We respectfully demand the district take immediate action by:

• Installing protective fencing around all playgrounds and outdoor learning spaces to secure the school grounds and prevent unauthorized access.
• Ensuring that a School Resource Officer (SRO) or an administrator is present in the building whenever students are on campus.

Our children’s right to safety at school is non-negotiable. Families entrust the district with their children every day, and it is the district’s responsibility to provide a secure environment where students can learn and play without fear of outside threats.

We urge the district to act swiftly and decisively to implement these measures to protect our children, support our school staff, and ensure that safety is the district’s highest priority.