In a recent school board meeting, parents expressed deep concerns regarding safety protocols following a potential threat at Orange Grove School. The discussions highlighted significant communication gaps and the need for improved emergency preparedness measures.

Several parents criticized the timing and clarity of the notification sent out at 6:59 AM, which informed them of a potential threat involving a student. Many felt the message was vague and left them uncertain about whether it was safe to send their children to school. One parent emphasized the need for clearer communication, stating that parents were left to interpret the situation on their own, which caused unnecessary anxiety.

Rick Knight, a parent and resident, raised questions about the presence of a dedicated emergency preparedness and threat manager within the school district. He pointed out that the lack of clear communication regarding whether the threat had been neutralized or still posed a risk was unacceptable. Knight called for a more robust response to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Brandon Michel, whose son was directly threatened, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the hiring of a security expert to develop a comprehensive protection plan for the school. He criticized the delayed notification he received about the threat, which came after his son had already been dropped off at school, labeling the response time as \"unacceptable.\"

Allie Michelle, another parent, urged the board to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for threats of violence, advocating for expulsion as a necessary consequence for such actions. She stressed the importance of ensuring that students feel safe in their learning environment.

Other parents, including Lindsay Reem and Joanne Stafford, called for transparency regarding safety measures and the implementation of clear protocols to prevent future incidents. They suggested that a town hall meeting could facilitate open dialogue between parents and the school administration, helping to restore trust and confidence in the district's safety measures.

The meeting concluded with a consensus among parents that immediate action is needed to enhance school safety and communication, ensuring that students can learn without fear of violence. The board acknowledged the concerns raised and expressed appreciation for the parents' involvement in addressing these critical issues.