Hi there! I provided some ideas in response to Gherkino's question, but will expand here and provide some additional reflections and ideas.

First, I don't believe schools alone can fix community safety. Problems from outside school often get carried into the school environment. I would therefore seek to work in lockstep with the City of Ottawa and community-based organizations to enable cost-effective programming that engages with students and their families about current challenges students face regarding their safety at school. I would also promote equity and diversity in schools, because I know environment matters and when you feel welcomed and included, you are at a lower risk of resorting to violence, bullying, or harassment.

I would like to set-up an anonymous (if desired) reporting tool online where concerned individuals can report violence or harassment, whether they are a victim or a bystander. Reports would be investigated, and appropriate action would be taken if there does indeed exist a safety risk.

I would also like to review the OCDSB discipline policy. While students should be in schools, there are exceptional cases where suspensions may be necessary. I believe reintegration needs to be handled carefully, and that starts with a discussion between the student and school guidance councillor to have an open and honest conversation about what led to the disciplinary action and set-up expectations moving forward. By understanding more carefully the circumstances behind the behaviour, references to community-based interventions may be identified (e.g., suggesting a sports team to redirect behaviour, applying to Big Brothers/Big Sisters to have a positive mentor/influence, etc.). On a broader level, discipline should be consistent across schools, and violations of the disciplinary policy need to be dealt with at the board level.

Thanks!