As parents and concerned citizens we ask that the board of education in MSAD 11 recognize the need for a policy to be established regarding parent notification of the occurrence of the use of a Taser, physical restraint and/or force used within our public school building or on public school property as a result of a violent disruption in normal school activity. Parent notification can be achieved in the same manner as would a school closure announcement via email and/or use of cell phone text and voice mail messenger using a prerecorded message from the presiding superintendent. In this instance, it will be necessary to agree upon the definition of the word "violent"; we propose the following definition be agreed upon for the purpose of this petition:
Violence: adj
1.acting with or characterized by uncontrolled, strong, rough force
2. caused by injurious or destructive force: a violent action resulting in the need for medical attention, hospitalization, incarceration or death.
3.
intense in force, effect, etc.; severe; extreme:
As a parent, if you want us to do our job we have to be informed in regards to what our job might entail that day. If my child witnessed something and came home and tried to talk about it and I knew nothing, I would be calling the school to find out so I could discuss it with my child. If I had already been informed, then I would be prepared to have that discussion. I understand that things happen, people/students are violent and we have to take steps to protect the other students/people. How am I, as a parent, expected to help my student handle or understand the situation if I am not informed of its occurrence. This petition is not about the force being used, it is about being informed so parents can be prepared to help their student, if necessary.