Parents press District 28 leaders for stronger school safety and crisis response after recent local deaths

Quentin Messerton, president of Community Education Council District 28, opened the May 7 meeting with remarks about recent youth deaths and the community’s grief, urging schools, families and partners to expand mentorship, mental‑health supports and after‑school options.

“Far too many young lives have been lost to reckless gun violence, gang related activity, and senseless decisions,” Messerton told attendees, framing the council’s priorities as both academic and protective: schools must help students feel “seen, valued, supported, protected, and connected.” He asked the community to prioritize partnership, presence and accountability.

During public comment, Sasha Cruz described a rumor spreading among elementary students that a classmate returned to school after a psychiatric intervention for an alleged attempt to kill his mother; Cruz said the situation has left children anxious and asked the district for “an immediate review of the school's crisis response.” She stressed that while student privacy laws limit what staff can disclose, the lack of visible action and communication had intensified parental fear: “Parents shouldn't have to rely on conversations between elementary age children to learn about situations that impact the well‑being of our students and our staff.”

Council members and principals discussed recent community responses, including standing‑room emergency town halls and outreach efforts at Roy Wilkins Park following the killing of a 15‑year‑old. Second Vice President Jennifer Sobers and other council members emphasized that public meetings must be followed by continued local action—wraparound services, smaller working groups and partnerships with elected officials—to prevent the pattern of reactive-only responses.

Principals reported local school measures to address safety and wellbeing, including classroom conversations about safety, increased parent engagement, and mental‑health workshops. District staff and parent leaders also recommended longer‑term strategies such as after‑school programming, targeted family outreach, and coordination with community organizations to sustain support beyond vigil events.

No formal vote occurred on safety policy at the meeting, but members indicated next steps will include continued collaboration with elected officials and task forces and follow‑up conversations with principals and district staff.