DUSD Update: April 20, 2023
I wish to thank the more than 260 community members that came to the forum last night. The room was filled with parents, residents, students, teachers and staff.
I also wish to thank the dedicated members of the Sheriff's Office who put their life on the line every day and are so passionate about bringing closure to this difficult time in the community. They continue to intensify their investigation with hopes of arriving at closure.
I walked away feeling inspired and focused due to the passion and love you have for your community.
I also walked away with the continued sense of urgency to respond to your concerns.
One of the concerns that arose was whether or not students can be excused for absences due to the circumstance. I am actively working with our district team and legal counsel to find clarification and possible flexibility regarding this and I expect to have a clear answer for the community by tomorrow.
Our schools will continue to address the current state by:
We continue collaboration with Sheriff's Office for active supervision
We have a high alert approach to supervision
We are prepared to make adjustments to daily operations if warranted
We have scheduled random searches facilitated by professionals
We continue to respond to anonymous reports that come our way and we share these with the authorities
What we need from the community:
We are already on high alert: If you see/hear something immediately report it to the school, use our StopIt Reporting System or contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau at 209.385.7445.
The persons responsible want to inflict fear in our community. Sharing through social media spreads fear. Best thing to do is to communicate with authorities.
Talk to your students about what we are doing to maintain a safe space. To report anything they see/hear. Sharing through social media only spreads fear. Remind them that Messages and memes such as the threatening post circulating on social media are designed to scare the public and it presents a good opportunity to talk to kids about how there can be consequences for circulating these types of posts with the intent to promote fear.
Check your student’s belongings. Make sure they do not have anything dangerous on them.
Be present and visible throughout your community. The perpetrators might live in the community. They want us to be scared and nervous. If they see we are united their mission cannot be accomplished.
I look forward to working with you all as we navigate through this difficult time.