Tammy West, Minot

I am concerned about the safety of elementary school children in the Minot School District. As a newcomer to the area, I’m used to my home state’s strict policies of drop-off and pick-up for my child. I was shocked to learn no such policy exists in Minot.

In the morning, parents just drop off their kids, who have to stay outside until the first bell rings (more of an issue during warmer weather). In the afternoon, the bell rings, the doors swing open and the kids are off and running.

I understand Minot still has its small town mentality. However, as we all know, Minot has grown by leaps and bounds the past couple of years. I can’t help but think how easy it would be for one of our children to get picked up by a stranger.

I would like to see my former school district’s policy adopted here in Minot. In the mornings, children wouldn’t be dropped off until the bell rings unless they are enrolled in the CLC before-school program.

Additionally, the afternoon release would be very controlled. Every parent and child would be assigned a number placed on two cards: one attached to the child’s backpack and the other placed on the parent’s dashboard. At the end of the day when parents pull up one-by-one to the front of the school, a staff member would see the number on the dashboard and put the child with the matching number into the car.

This system would ensure that every child leaves school with their parent. I know our children’s safety is the number one priority of Minot educators and parents alike. I just hope this issue is recognized before a tragedy occurs.