Yes, a stranger wandering onto campus is a legitimate fear. But true security comes from controlled access—a greeter at the gate, a clear plan—not from barricading the very people who fundraise, volunteer, and love these kids. 

The Danger is Already Inside

If we are serious about safety, we need to look inward. The greatest threats we’ve faced recently came from within—like the River City high school student who shut down a campus with a shooting threat. We cannot ignore the shooter phenomenon, but closing the gates doesn't stop a troubled student from bursting. 

We must stop sticking our heads in the sand. We need wrap-around services for kids struggling with mental health, suicidal ideation, and extreme stress. My own son has schizo-effective disorder and stays home for his safety—I know the red flags. Students who act out, bully others, or speak of suicide are screaming for help. We need counselors, not closed doors.

Parents are a Resource, Not a Liability

PTA, Trunk-or-Treat, festivals, and behavior interventions—parents are the backbone of this district. We are the backup for our teachers. Why are we pushing away our greatest asset? 

Instead of embracing us, the administration is weaponizing this policy.

The students don’t like it.

During the second week of school, we witnessed a 5-6 year old screaming bloody murder shortly after the morning bell rang. She wanted Out! The little girl kept trying to get to the gate to leave. We sat in the seating area outside Riverbank watching this child try to leave while gate was blocked. It was traumatic and a terrible sight. In this video recording her crys are heard in the background. Her crys were calming down in surrender. See attached video below. The following week another student did managed to escape.

Under Principal Katie students complaint they are rushed to eat during cafeteria time. Once they eat, it is quiet time. The consequence for two Latino students who weren’t silent after eating was Cean Up Duties. One student was handed a wash rag to wipe tables clean, another was handed a broom to sweep.

Parents are not welcomed to drop in and check on their children. It use to be that you could accompany students to the library to select books. Riverbank doesn’t appear to be a joyful place for students.

The Petty Reality: Unequal Enforcement

This policy has the potential to be applied unfairly. If you are a "favorite" of the principal, you roam freely. But if you are outspoken and demand accountability? The result is favortism or getting orstracized.

Just ask Maria Garcia—an outspoken parent at Riverbank E. who was labeled "annoying" and had the police called on her simply for advocating for her child and her community. She is what the late John Lewis called "Good Trouble." Instead of listening to her, they silenced her.

Legal and Constitutional Questions

This isn't just unfair—it may be illegal. Parents have a constitutional right to participate in their child’s education. The 14th Amendment guarantees a parent’s right to direct their child’s education. We cannot let administrative egos, petty disputes, or estranged domestic issues override the fundamental right of a parent to be present. 

The Bottom Line:

Don't hide behind "safety" to avoid accountability. 

• Invest in mental health services.

• Hire greeters to manage real external threats.

• Stop treating parents like criminals when we ask hard questions.

• And enforce the rules equally—without favoritism or retaliation.

• Our children need safe schools—but safety must include parental presence, not exclusion. 

Demand transparency. End the lockdown on parents. It’s time to open the doors—and open our eyes.