Principal’s Aug. 6, 2024, update on safety

Principal Hart’s Aug. 6, 2024, email updated the community about campus safety initiatives:

“Over the summer, I have been working with our district and city leadership to design a comprehensive set of campus safety enhancements for a more secure, supportive, and nurturing environment at Garfield High School. Some of the enhancements being explored include:

• • Increased Security Staff: Increase the number of security specialists for more thorough monitoring and coverage of both buildings and the campus perimeter.
  • Community Partnerships: Partner with community organizations to provide perimeter security coverage during critical times such as arrival, lunch, and dismissal.
  • Restorative Practices Coordinator: Hire a full-time Restorative Practices Coordinator to implement restorative justice approaches within the school, focusing on repairing harm and restoring community relationships.
  • SPD Partnership: Establish a regular presence of Seattle Police Department officers outside the building during lunch and after school to provide additional security and deter potential violence.

“While these enhancements are being discussed, no final decisions have been made yet. I look forward to announcing the finalized enhancements before the beginning of the school year.”