The escalation of school based violence is not a new topic. However, as a newer resident of Maple Valley I am concerned about the potential danger posed at one of our local schools, Glacier Park Elementary.

I have one student on campus and another who will be heading to the school next year. This school is anything but “closed” campus. The recently installed 4-foot perimeter fence is a terrible deterrent, but presently I am more concerned about the open nature of student checkout process. Over the last three weeks, we have taken my child out of school early due to appointments. Each time, neither my wife nor myself has been asked for anything more than the child’s name and a signature upon arrival. I understand that our city is renowned for its safety, but this is a blatant disregard for our children’s safety and cannot be tolerated any further. Why risk it?

Cameron Butcher

Maple Valley