OPINION: 'TUSD and our community are going to have to suck it up and prioritize the literal lives of our children over aesthetics,' writes Christopher Rodarte, a teacher in TUSD.
On Feb. 26, the Star printed a story about TUSD’s decision to postpone work on the security fence around Sam Hughes Elementary. The article addresses concerns expressed by the community regarding the fence—particularly regarding historic architectural aesthetics, school safety, and fencing options.
Last summer, every tile on every roof in the building was painstakingly nailed down; great lengths were taken to preserve each tile. Years ago, a local architect installed storm drains along our inner courtyard. The level of dedication taken to blend the drains with the building was so high that to this day, never once have I heard anyone even acknowledge the installation. The work was that thoughtful and seamless.
I sit on the school Site Council. A few years ago, some parents lobbied to have the playground designated a public park. One of the mothers actually presented the argument that, “This weekend my kids’ grandmother had to hop the fence so the kids could play basketball.” Yes, you read that correctly. The matter is not so funny when one ponders how easily someone without said-Grandma’s harmless intentions could scale the fence. My fourth-graders could do it.
For what it’s worth, the staff experience is not enhanced by the mandatory training School Resource Officers have provided, the ones where we learn how to wrap a knife impaled in a dummy body and how to tie a tourniquet; if it’s tight enough, it should hurt. The school “experience” is not enhanced for staff by training protocols involving windows and the possibility of active shooters.
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