San Luis Obispo Office of Education: One Community Together

“If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships – the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world at peace.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

One Community

James

Brescia, Ed.D.

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

May and June were very stressful months for schools nationwide and within our county because of school violence. Social media and even what was once considered traditional media focus on quantity (clicks, likes, shares, etc.) over quality, sensationalism over detail, and rumors consistently outshine fact. I entered the profession in 1986, and as time advances, I have grown to appreciate and value authentic and genuine relationships. Today’s schools face multiple linguistic, cultural, religious, ethnic, and racial issues requiring a caring community to foster positive relationships. Large urban areas such as Los Angeles County and smaller rural communities like San Luis Obispo County experience challenges, social pressures, and school violence. It is not easy to collectively accept responsibility for all of our citizens and their actions. Communities have risen to challenges throughout history, and today is no different.

Our school, community, law enforcement, and mental health leaders meet regularly to discuss the needs, perspectives, and challenges of the individuals we serve. How do we collectively address the needs of everyone and build up our entire community? School and community violence across the United States continues to be a topic of my monthly Superintendent’s Council and general school administration meetings. On the Tuesday following Memorial Day, approximately 100 community leaders representing the schools, law enforcement, government, and mental health gathered to review communications and safety practices for all schools in 36 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

San Luis Obispo County. California Civil Code 1714.1 makes parents and guardians vicariously liable for up to $25,000 for their child’s willful misconduct. In addition to arresting responsible parties and legally forcing families to pay for the damages to public facilities, we must do our best to prevent violence and property damage before it happens. Before starting the 2022-2023 school year, my office will facilitate another Building Community Summit to address communications and safety in our schools proactively.

The Building Community Summit aims to facilitate multi-agency communication and collaboration, present positive strategies for community engagement, and build up the county. The San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, local students, parents, nonprofit agencies, religious leaders, city & county government officials, school leaders, elected officials, and law enforcement represent the membership of a Department of Justice grant designed to reduce school violence and build community. Sheriff Ian Parkinson and I believe that “we can address our issues proactively, one relationship at a time.” Because of the Sheriff’s efforts along with the Office of Emergency Services, San Luis Obispo County is one of the first in the state to map every school campus and better connect the community digitally. All district, charter, private, and parochial school properties are reviewed and updated during the summer. Research indicates that community capacity to prevent violence is achieved primarily through the social relations embodied in dense networks of “strong” ties within geographically bounded spaces known as neighborhoods or communities has been challenged on two grounds (Bellair, 1997; Morenoff, Sampson, & Raudenbush, 2001). Because professional experience and research indicate that violence prevention programs structured to build community capacity are the most successful, our agencies commit to providing proactive practices that mitigate personal or agency disconnect.

Everyone has the right to learn in a safe environment. Families need to feel confident in sending children to school without fear. Research indicates that prevention efforts by students, families, school staff, law enforcement, and the entire community can reduce school violence. Consistent communications, holding responsible parties accountable, and proactive safety practices are some of the strategies we are implementing. During the weeks following the tragedies in Texas, I observed our local law enforcement, school personnel, local government officials, and mental health representatives collaborate for the greater good. I believe that together we can positively impact our future by facilitating multi-agency communications, working collectively, and acknowledging that we are all part of a shared community. I pledge to continue fostering these collective efforts and promoting safety throughout the community. It is an honor to serve as your County Superintendent of Schools.

True public safety requires a collaboration between law enforcement and the community.” — Betsy Hodges Paso Robles Magazine | July 2022