year later

needs to be more youth mental health support in Iowa, Des Moines, and across schools,” Versteeg said.

getting emergency radios that will be direct patch to 911 dispatch should an emergency arise,” Versteeg said.

Many steps have been taken to prevent this from happening again. District safety teams continue to review data and determine safety protocols. More cameras were added around the school, and public safety is in the building and parking lot often. DMPD has also partnered with East and the district more about having more awareness in the community when events occur and steps, we might need to take to keep the school safe. “Buildings are also

“More students state they feel safe than don’t. I also can say that is the case because students talk with us a lot about what they see and hear because they trust us and want East to be safe. Also, our engagement in activities has continued to increase this year, which tells me students want to be part of something bigger at school and create an environment that is about excellence,” Versteeg said.

“Well, while attendance has improved greatly this year, I’d like to see it improve even more. I also would like to see more school pride shown daily. East is a beautifully diverse school filled with incredible people. We need to highlight the good that happens here and showcase it more than highlight what isn’t going well,” Versteeg said.