School Board Candidates Address School Safety

There are six candidates running to fill four slots on the East Lansing Board of Education. To help residents get to know who is running, ELi asked each candidate to answer three questions in 250 words or less.

The school board seats will be determined in two separate races. One race is for three full, four-year terms. The candidates for those seats are Chris Martin, Estrella Torrez, Felix Thibodeau and Elizabeth Lyons.

The other race is for a two-year partial term. Gary Holbrook and Abbie Tykocki are the candidates in that election.

The following responses were written by candidates. The order responses are shown in was determined randomly.

Question: Two years ago, there was widespread concern from ELPS students and staff about school safety after a series of fights, and a gun was found on school property. The situation has seemingly improved since the school began to implement its new safety plan in 2023. What are your thoughts on safety at ELPS and are there any additional actions you would like to see the district take?

Candidates for full terms

Estrella Torrez

Safety concerns in any school are valid and should be taken seriously by all school community members. The ELPS staff and administration have gone to great lengths to prioritize the safety of its students, and this commitment remains unwavering. Earlier this year, the district secured a safety grant that would amplify security in the school, provide funds for additional exterior door alarms, improve current modes of communication between schools and families, and provide safety protocol-related training for staff. As a school board member, I will continue to advocate for a safe school environment and additional support to ensure community members’ sense of safety and socio-emotional well-being.

Felix Thibodeau

First, guns and weapons do not belong in or near schools. Violence is an easy resolution to a disagreement, but it’s never the proper resolution. Students need to have access to easier conflict resolution strategies, and should frankly have space to express aggression. Again, kids are unhappy and feel powerless. Violence can feel like power. Kids need safe spaces to express their frustration and reclaim some sense of control. Adults pay money to access Smash Rooms. I think safety comes down to two factors. Cause and Expression. ELPS provides a very safe environment for students, but interpersonal conflict cannot be avoided. This is where community is so important. Why two parties would fight, the Cause, is less important than why they feel violence is the best solution, the Expression. Supportive communities that foster understanding can resolve the Cause without resorting to violent Expression. There are few structures for students to resolve conflict in formal ways. And mandates from unknown authority figures instill distrust. Trusted mentors, friends, and authority figures working towards solution, mutual understanding, and community building deepens interpersonal connection and instills a lasting relationship with their community.

Chris Martin

I have worked with our administration to evaluate and implement enhanced safety measures in all our buildings—especially since the incidents of winter 2023. I am very confident that our schools are safe and that our staff are prepared to respond to any situations that arise.

I was one of the leaders of last spring’s bond campaign to add security features at East Lansing High School and MacDonald Middle School. New security features include building a more secure main entrance at ELHS and installing improved classroom locks and security technology in both buildings. As we implement these improvements over the next two years, my experience as a board member and attorney will help ensure that the projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

The District now has dedicated staff members whose responsibilities focus on the safety and well-being of our students. Since 2023, the Board has approved the creation of (and hired) a District Director of Health and Safety, Dean of Students positions at MMS and ELHS, Student Advocates, and other positions focused on health and safety.  

The investments above are important pieces of our security plan, but perhaps the most important thing we have done is investing in a positive culture of trust and support between students and their peers, and between students and teachers/staff. I believe that building positive relationships, responding meaningfully to misbehavior and bullying, and supporting young people from the time they begin in the District are the best preventive measures when it comes to school safety.       

Elizabeth Lyons

Safety in schools is an essential concern, and I am encouraged to see the positive changes at ELPS following the implementation of the new safety plan. The administration and the board must continue to prioritize creating a secure environment for both students and staff, as this is fundamental to fostering effective learning and overall well-being. 

To sustain and enhance safety, the district must continue to prioritize open communication and provide regular updates regarding safety policies and procedures. This transparency will help ensure that parents, students, and staff feel informed and engaged in the safety process. Additionally, continued access to mental health resources is vital, as it addresses the emotional well-being of our community. Ongoing training for staff in conflict resolution and emergency preparedness will further equip them to handle potential challenges effectively. 

With the recent bond passage dedicated to enhancing safety in our schools, we can anticipate continued improvements and the implementation of robust safety measures. These efforts will ensure that our school community remains safe, supportive, and conducive to thriving educational experiences for all.

Candidates for partial term

Abbie Tykocki

I believe our school administrators have done an exceptional job in swiftly addressing safety concerns through immediate improvements. The recent passage of the Safety, Security, and Accessibility bond proposal will support ongoing, long-term enhancements. The district is also expanding access to counseling, training, and support groups, which are essential for tackling the underlying issues that lead to conflict.

The district should consider offering Youth Mental Health First Aid training to both staff and students. It’s as important as knowing CPR or the Heimlich maneuver and would promote critical thinking and empathy throughout the district.

ELPS parents and guardians have expressed a desire for improved feedback mechanisms. Establishing transparent reporting systems empower students and families to contribute to a safer school atmosphere.

It’s also important to repair relationships with the broader community, especially after years of construction, the pandemic, and safety issues. Hosting elementary school open houses would allow East Lansing residents to tour the new learning environments they helped to create and foster community connection. I encourage the district to continue to collaborate with the City of East Lansing, the Library, and ELPD to create a community-focused approach to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.

Gary Holbrook

Superintendent Leyko, with the support of the school board, the ELPS administration team, teachers across the district, and our community, implemented a multi-step plan to address safety in our schools. ELPS has a new principal at the high school, a security bond is underway, and ELPS made several operational changes to enhance student safety. Most importantly, Superintendent Leyko has bolstered our student supports in both the middle school and the high school and has implemented the Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management team (BTAM). Losing our student supports or BTAM team members when grants funding them run out would be terrible for ELPS students and teachers. They have been the single most important security tool ELPS has deployed.