During a recent meeting of the Christiana School Board of Education, community leader Erica Gutierrez passionately addressed the board regarding the urgent need for improved support and safety measures for Hispanic students in the district. Gutierrez recounted a distressing incident involving a student named Jorge, who suffered severe injuries during a soccer match. Despite the gravity of his condition, no ambulance was called, and the coach instructed another student to contact Jorge's father for transportation to the hospital. This lack of immediate medical attention left Jorge in excruciating pain for weeks, highlighting significant gaps in the school's emergency response protocols.

Gutierrez emphasized that this incident is not isolated, citing ongoing issues of neglect and misreporting at Glasgow High School, where bullying and violence have reportedly been rampant. She urged the board to investigate these incidents and take decisive action to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

In her remarks, Gutierrez also called for transparency regarding the allocation of funds from the Opportunity Fund, which is intended to support English Learner (EL) students and low-income families. She expressed her expectation for the board to utilize these resources effectively to meet the needs of the community.

The meeting underscored the importance of respectful dialogue between community members and school officials, as Gutierrez urged all parties to engage constructively rather than resorting to anger and frustration. Her appeal for respect and accountability resonated with attendees, as she called for a collaborative effort to foster a safer and more supportive educational environment for all students.