The Oct. 12 USD 299 Board of Education meeting in Sylvan Grove was filled with a few surprises. The primary surprise was that law enforcement was deemed necessary at a school board meeting.

Let’s say that again: Law enforcement was deemed necessary at a school board meeting.

It’s not enough that our schools have officers in the halls and have active shooter plans and drills for students and teachers, but now, law enforcement must attend a public meeting to keep the peace. Among a group of parents, a group of adults.

“It’s a sad day when a board member is trying to resolve a matter and they get threatened,” USD 299 board member David Dohe said.

What a disappointment. Board members should not be threatened. They should not feel that their families aren’t safe in their own school or community.

How did we get here — seriously? Why was this necessary? And what kind of example are we setting for our children? It completely boggles the mind.

We’ve now had about 10 days to reflect on the meeting where — once again — the Sylvan-Lucas Unified School Board of Education opted to not move forward with a land transfer of Wilson schools.

Kudos to USD 299 board member Kylo Heller for stating: “I have no ill will toward the folks from Wilson. I think they have conducted themselves very professionally.”

This entire situation has been difficult for Wilson residents, and we’re proud of you for putting the proverbial best foot forward.

There is disappointment from both sides of the school district boundary. Some residents in the USD 299 district were strong supporters of our Wilson families. We thank you for your encouragement and enthusiasm.

There were also those who strongly opposed a formalized land transfer. We also acknowledge your right to those feelings, and applaud the civil public meetings.

We couldn’t help but wonder, though, if there was a point where this situation could have been salvaged — if any action could have prevented the heated feelings that led to law enforcement’s presence on Oct. 12.

Yes, three members of each board met several times to discuss — in broad strokes — possibilities for a merger. Yet those 3-on-3 meetings were where it began and ended.

Would a full meeting of both boards, where the superintendents provided enrollment numbers and weighted values for students have helped to provide a baseline for conversation early on? Perhaps. Yet, each district lost a superintendent toward the end of the 2021-22 school year. A meeting of such importance would have been daunting for any incoming administrator as they attempted to acclimate to a district, learn the ropes and also navigate a the intricacies of a land transfer.

In hindsight, it’s probably what should have happened. Yet, it didn’t, and here we are now. Parents are disappointed. Students are confused. Feelings are hurt. Law enforcement is at a school board meeting.

Where on earth do we go from here? How do our communities begin to heal? Let’s all start with small steps. Let’s extend grace and kindness to someone we disagree with. Let’s cheer on the Dragons and the Mustangs — as a unified crowd.

Inevitably, when students from Wilson walk into school at Sylvan Grove in the fall, we hope they are met with open arms. As our students embrace one another and move forward on their educational paths, it is our hope that the parents and communities will follow suit.

Karen Bonar Publisher