Superintendent George Arlotto today released the following statement regarding Wednesday’s events in Washington, D.C.:

“Yesterday, the world’s eyes were fixed on Washington, D.C., as those who would seek to undermine the values that this nation holds so dear carried out a shocking and despicable assault on one of the most recognizable symbols of our democracy. Across our county, hearts were filled with fear and trepidation.

Today, however, I am again filled with gratitude and hope because in our school system, our awesome educators, staff, students and families are doing what they do every day: going about the business of creating better tomorrows for our young people and for all of us.

We have had discussions with police and other pertinent agencies to ensure to the best of our ability that our buildings are safe. We have resources and opportunities in place for students and employees who have a need to talk about their feelings regarding yesterday’s assault on the U.S. Capitol. That network of supports is available not just today and in response to this incident, but every day.

In our classrooms and our offices, we continue to infuse the values of diversity, equity, acceptance, and inclusion and to reinforce that critical thinking and the genuine consideration of a variety of perspectives can lead to rich conversations instead of reckless violence. We must not and will not ever apologize for focusing our efforts on getting to a place where every single student we teach and every single adult we employ feels like they hold a place of value and respect not just in our school system, but in our society.”