A Message From the Superintendent

Dear Fremont Community,

There is nothing more important than keeping our students, staff, and campus safe. From the moment a bus picks up a student to the moment they arrive home, we work hard to safeguard our school community through ongoing preparation, training, and vigilance. Our culture of safety is paramount.

Today, we shared the outcome of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) investigation as soon as we received the information. Our goal was to share as quickly as possible with you. We now want to address related and important information, coming together as a school community when needed most.

How are we safeguarding our community?

While the outcome of the investigation was shared in today’s release, this matter is not over. We continue to work closely with LCSO to ensure we are maximizing all procedures available to us. The child is not permitted to be on campus and is not at school. We have comprehensive safety response protocols that we follow in accordance with our law enforcement partners. LCSO officers have been present on campus yesterday and today, and they will continue to prioritize school safety.

In the past year, we have updated our visitor entrance procedures, camera systems, transportation cameras, radio systems, and increased time dedicated to training and preparation for staff. Most importantly, we continue to foster a culture of safety which prioritizes “See Something, Say Something.” It cannot be said enough that our students and families who came forward on Wednesday made an important and timely decision to protect our Fremont campus.

How do we discuss this as a family?

We are your partner and want to equip you with the resources to help you and your family. We know some students may be aware of the situation and asking questions. We also anticipate media coverage. Members of our Student Services team have identified the following resources to help guide your discussions.

• NASP- Talking to Children About Violence- Tips for Families and Educators

• Talking To Kids About School Safety-Mental Health Safety

We will continue to work with our staff to ensure they are equally supported and prepared for questions and discussions that may arise at school.

We are here to collaborate with you and support your family. If your family needs any additional support, please contact your teacher, building administrator, or support personnel.

Sincerely,

Trisha Kocanda, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools