Frequently Asked Questions

All Schoolsite Council parent representatives are encouraged to join our Schoolsite Council Member Network.  Schoolsite Council teacher representatives are also welcome to join. To sign up for our distribution list, please complete the form here.

In the 2022/2023 academic year, a number of San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) schools experienced issues related to firearms or threats of firearms on our school campuses. Through these experiences, our community learned that our District and schools are not as prepared as we had assumed.

While many communities across the U.S. face similar challenges, most don't take action until after a tragedy occurs.Parents in the SJUSD are taking a more proactive approach, creating THE WHY WAIT PROJECT in August 2023.

Gun violence is the leading cause of death for those 18 and under in the U.S. The issue of firearms in schools can't be solved by any one of us. We all need to come together and take action.  

We are advocating for and working toward the the creation of a multi-agency school safety task force to ensure that:

1. A district-wide safety plan is created
2. A revised school safety plan template (that is based in research and best practice) is provided to every SJUSD school 
3. Schools receive support to modify school safety templates to meet the unique needs of their schools
4. There is clear accountability at the District level for school safety
5. The School Board regularly reviews status and progress at Board meetings

We also aim to:

1. Provide direct support and advocacy for schools in the creation of their local safety plans
2. Ensure that Schoolsite Councils are aware of their role and responsibilities around school safety

Links to press articles:

6/20/2023 San Jose school district puts safety onus on each campus

6/12/2023 San Jose parents, teachers call for safety taskforce

5/25/2023 San Jose parents demand transparency after school gun threats

5/24/2023 Parents meet with San Jose Unified superintendent after ghost gun seized at school

5/23/2023 Did a gun go off? San Jose school district parents want answers

5/17/2023 San Jose Police Arrest Student Armed With Gun at Willow Glen High School

4/21/2023 Student at Hoover Middle School in San Jose Arrested for Carrying Loaded Gun

10/17/2022 Pellets shot into Bay Area classroom from car

10/17/2022 Soft pellets from gel gun fired into San Jose classroom

10/12/2022 Police Swarm Multiple Bay Area Schools After ‘Swatting’ Incidents