In response to the recent school shooting in Texas, Bainbridge Island School District superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen expressed sadness and anger during the May 26 school board meeting.

“We don’t know all the motives of what happened or what drove this shooting in Texas. I just know as a parent, as an educator, and as a community member, that this is so shocking. It is so horrible…There’s got to be some societal changes, too. I truly believe that 18-year-olds accessing high-powered weaponry is a major, major problem for our society,” he said.

The superintendent stated that student and staff safety is BISD’s highest priority, and it continues to conduct emergency management drills and training in schools for scenarios ranging from earthquake safety to active shooter drills. The district also uses the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design process, which uses site lines, transparency, natural light and attributes that contribute to strong mental health while fostering positive adult-student relationships.

Bang-Knudsen stressed that an important part of that process is to soften schools, not harden them. “We want to continue to address mental health and social emotional-health concerns of the kids by creating more connections between adults and students. So, when students have a fear or a concern or see something online, they’re going to tell a parent or a staff member that someone needs support.”

The district has a threat assessment program and works with many agencies, including the BI fire and police departments.

“Within minutes of when that shooting was happening in Texas, I received a phone call from the police chief to touch base with one another. He wanted to reassure me that if we needed anything, any assistance, they would be there,” Bang-Knudsen said.

The superintendent affirmed that BISD brings together many experts to address situations and investigates all concerns brought to the district’s attention.

Any concerns about safety, bullying, or threats can be directed to school principals. In addition, concerns can be made anonymously through the Safe School Alert portal on the district website.

The district has many reporting systems to contact parents and caregivers in the event of an emergency and asks them to update their contact information and cell phone numbers in their Skyward accounts to receive text alerts and messages.