Sound Off, San Bernardino School Shooting: Tell Us How You Would Make Schools Safer

11Apr
by Leticia Chavez-Garcia

Monday morning in San Bernardino was marked by tragedy and an investigation is still ongoing in the north end area of San Bernardino as we hear of yet another school shooting. It appears that this one may be due to domestic violence and has been called a murder-suicide by authorities. Karen Smith, a special education teacher, is confirmed dead in the classroom shooting. The shooter is said to be her husband, Cedric Anderson, who is also confirmed dead. Two students were transported to the hospital in critical condition and it has now been confirmed by authorities that one of them, 8-year old student, Jonathan Martinez has passed away from injuries.  The shooting happened in a special education classroom for students with intellectual disabilities.  

It has been reported that the two adults were found shot to death in a classroom and that the two students were found critically injured. Police say that the gunman checked in at the front office to visit a classroom and that he was apparently known to school staff.

The school was placed on lockdown, and students and staff were transported to a local high school (Cajon High School) and were awaiting parent pick up. Parents were notified via a robocall to pick up their children at the high school. Police worked diligently to bring the situation of another “active shooter” incident to an end as quickly as possible and secure the area.

We are told that San Bernardino City Unified Schools Chief called an emergency meeting this morning to inform officials and work with community agencies on the shooting that occurred at North Park Elementary School in the north end of San Bernardino near California State University, San Bernardino. Vice President of the Board of Education Abigail Medina called for prayers from the community via a twitter message in which she confirmed the emergency meeting. Medina is a parent in the school district. In an email to staff, the district said, “This is believed to be a case of domestic violence.” A news conference will be held shortly.

The school will be closed for the next two days.

It has to be the worst feeling in the world for all involved to have such a tragedy occur in their community. I cannot imagine being a parent and hearing on the news or via social media that the school I just dropped off my child/children too is under attack by a live shooter. Worse, having your child shot or killed at their school. It happens too often.  And it doesn’t matter where in the world you are, it happens everywhere.  So how do we change it?  How do we protect our kids?  How do we advocate for safer schools?
We will undoubtedly hear many discussions about this in the coming days as the incident is carefully examined and analyzed by all. Experts will chime in. The incident will become highly politicized as the gun debate unfurls yet again. What do parents think? These are your schools and your children.  What could districts do to make schools safer for our kids? What about the legislature? Do they have a role in making schools safer? We want to hear from you.  Send us your ideas, comments and suggestions. We want to hear from you.

What do you think?

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Leticia Chavez-Garcia

Leticia Chavez-Garcia is a Mother, Grandmother, former Middle School Teacher, former Member of a School Board of Education and an Education Advocate for hundreds of parents and students in the Inland Empire. Having become a mother at 15, Leticia knows what it’s like to be a single mother trying to navigate the education system. Leticia received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from California Baptist University and a Masters’ Degree in Education Technology from Cal State Fullerton in her 30’s. Leticia has used her knowledge and experience to help hundreds of families as an Education Advocate in the Inland Empire and currently works as an Education Specialist.

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