Last week, district staff participated in a Gang 102 training and collaborative planning session focused on preventing youth violence and addressing gang involvement. This work is supported by a $30,000 grant from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) through the School Safety Center’s Violence Prevention and Intervention Grant.

We are grateful for the leadership and expertise of Hunter McLeod (Educational Service District 171), Shelby Jensen (Educational Service District 123), and Detective Kirk Nebeker (Kennewick Police Department), who helped guide this important conversation.

The meeting brought together district leadership and counselors, local law enforcement, mental health professionals, and juvenile court representatives. Together, this group is developing a shared, proactive plan to support our students and strengthen community safety.

This work is an important step ahead of a community town hall meeting planned for Wednesday, May 6. We look forward to continuing to engage, learn and partner with our community to support and protect our students.