APEA Calls for Review of Safety Procedures in Amherst Schools

Statement of the Amherst Pelham Education Association (APEA) on Educator and Student Safety

On May 1, multiple staff members sustained injuries during physical altercations involving both students and guardians at Amherst Regional Middle School. It is the responsibility of the School Committees and other district leaders to provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees and students. As educators, we are on the front lines of conflicts, whether it be with students or community members. We commend the school staff who work every day in stressful situations to create a positive and nurturing environment for their students. We recognize this is the goal of the district leaders as well.

While many students and staff feel safe and supported throughout the schools, clearly there is much room to improve. We urge the district to partner with the APEA to review existing safety procedures and ensure consistent, well-communicated safety protocols are enacted across each school. In addition, the completion of the district’s proposed Caregiver Guide needs to be expedited with educator input. Such a comprehensive guide could offer appropriate action steps for families of students so that we can partner with, rather than be at odds with, the community. 

As a 2022 RAND report indicated, issues of stress and unsafe conditions are endemic throughout schools across the country and negatively impact the entry of new educators into the field. We look forward to working to turn such trends around in our school community.

For more information, contact: apea@amherstpelhamed.org