TL;DR: Students were put at risk by not vetting a coach. The district must fully disclose what went wrong, hold those responsible accountable, and implement safeguards—no excuses, no delays.

Dear Saratoga Community,

We are sharing this update to refocus attention on the issue that brought many of us here in the first place: student safety and accountability.

It has been confirmed by the district that a serious safety breach occurred at Redwood Middle School. An investigation is underway, and the community is awaiting its findings and recommendations. Until those findings are shared transparently, it is reasonable—and necessary—for parents and community members to continue asking questions and seeking assurances that such a breach will not happen again.

In recent weeks, much of the public discussion has shifted away from the safety failure itself and toward debates about tone, process, and who is speaking. While civil discourse matters, none of those discussions change the fact that a confirmed security failure placed students in a vulnerable position where there was no justification for risk. That alone warrants full transparency, accountability, and clear corrective action.

Concerns were first raised through formal channels, supported by documentation and public records. When those concerns did not result in clear communication or reassurance, they were brought forward publicly—not to inflame division, but to protect students and ensure the issue was taken seriously. History shows us that institutions are strongest when they confront hard truths directly, not when attention is redirected away from them.

Advocating for transparency and safety should not be confused with attacking educators or staff. Many teachers, administrators, and district employees work tirelessly on behalf of students, and acknowledging their dedication does not negate the need to address a serious failure when it occurs. Both truths can—and must—coexist.

We also reject the idea that the validity of a safety concern depends on who raises it. Child safety is a community responsibility. When credible concerns are brought forward, they deserve to be examined on their merits, not dismissed based on identity, role, or perceived alignment.

To ensure access to full context and primary sources, this petition includes the link to the SUSD January Board Meeting recording, where community members, district leadership, and staff spoke on these issues. We encourage everyone to review the public record directly.

This petition exists for one purpose:
To ensure that the facts surrounding this breach are fully disclosed, that accountability measures are clearly communicated, and that concrete safeguards are put in place so this never happens again.

We urge the district and board to complete the investigation with rigor, transparency, and urgency—and to share its findings openly with the community. Our children deserve nothing less.

For Further Reading
These articles document public reporting on the issues described herein and are provided for transparency and context:

Petition Update #4: Failing Student Safety is not a ‘gap.’

Petition Update #3: Press Helps Shed Light on Student Safety and Transparency at SUSD

Petition Update #1: Beyond the Smoke and Mirrors: Facts, Accountability, and Student Safety

The Issue is Presented: Petition to SUSD Trustees: Enforce Student Safety, Oversight & Accountability

Sincerely,

Concerned Parents and Community Members