To follow-up on the Feb. 21st testimony I gave to our school district's Board of Education, I have to say it was a mixed bag. My testimony was intentionally moved to last on the agenda, because our cluster representatives were afraid I would make the audience "uncomfortable!". I was also told to keep my testimony shorter "than everyone else's".
Looking into the faces of the BoE members, they listened, but seemed clueless as to what I was saying had to do with them (coincidentally, a fifth grade teacher had been arrested that very day for CSA of two 11 yr old girls). Parents gave me their full attention, and applauded afterwards. A few came up, offering me support.
I called the arm of the police department who deals with these crimes to ask for their guidance. They told me our schools are unwilling to act on police suggestions for changes to make kids safer. They also suggested I try to speak with the Superintendent of our school district. I am drafting a letter now.
Other suggestions? This is truly hidden trauma in our county: the police department told me we have no grassroots advocacy groups here because they have been run out of county. They also said many of the Maryland legislators are defense attorneys and are not interested in writing preventive laws! OUCH!!!
I live here. My children go to school here. I am passionate to push this issue forward.