During a recent school board meeting, educators and parents voiced urgent concerns regarding the mental health of teachers and the safety of students in the Mount Healthy school district.

A second-grade teacher, who transitioned into her role following the elimination of the Response to Intervention (RTI) program, expressed her distress over the lack of resources and support. She described her struggles with stress and anxiety, revealing that she has experienced meltdowns and health issues due to the overwhelming demands of her job. The teacher highlighted the challenges of managing a diverse classroom with students requiring various levels of support, all while feeling unsupported and under-resourced.

Parents also raised alarms about safety in schools, particularly at Mount Healthy High School. One mother recounted a frightening incident where her daughter sat next to a student who displayed a gun. She criticized the school’s response, stating that the administration merely monitored the situation without taking immediate action to ensure student safety. Other parents echoed her concerns, reporting that their children felt unsafe due to the presence of weapons and drugs in the school environment. They called for increased security measures, including metal detectors and more thorough bag checks.

In response to these concerns, Dr. Honey, a district administrator, clarified the school’s safety protocols. He assured parents that when threats arise, the administration acts swiftly, involving police when necessary. He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining security with limited resources but emphasized that student safety remains a top priority. Dr. Honey also mentioned the presence of security personnel and random locker checks, while noting that the district is exploring additional safety options.

The meeting underscored a growing urgency for both mental health support for educators and enhanced safety measures for students, as community members seek solutions to these pressing issues.