In 2022, more than 6,000 children and teens were injured or killed in shootings, according to the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive.

 

There have also been multiple incidents at Ankeny Schools where students have brought firearms on to school grounds.

 

Gun violence is a public health emergency in this country, and frankly we need much more action at the state and federal level if we want to curb this epidemic.

 

That being said, here are some things we can do at the school board level-

​

• Improve transparency, responsiveness, and communication in crisis situations.

• Invest in crisis intervention teams to defuse potentially violent situations before things escalate.

• Oppose any attempt to arm teachers or staff, as this will only increase the likelihood of gun violence occurring.

• Invest in proactive tools and policies like mediation and restorative justice.