Courtesy photo

YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Yolo County Grand Jury has investigated the school safety practices of Davis Joint Unified School District in the following terms: 2016-17, 2019-20, 2023-24 and this year, 2024-25. There is ongoing concern about protection from active shooter incidents on the school campuses.

This contrasts with the Davis School Board and the Davis community’s wish to keep open campuses adjacent to city parks. This report was completed prior to the active shooter incident on April 12 at Community Park, which is near North Davis Elementary School.

This year’s grand jury received a public complaint that stated Davis Joint Unified School District has not done enough regarding “hardening” campuses to protect against violence, with particular focus on the lack of fencing and the locking of classrooms during school hours.

In its investigation, the Schools and Libraries Committee of the 2024-25 grand jury toured the Cesar Chavez and North Davis Elementary schools, as well as Davis Senior High School, with a representative from the Superintendent’s office. Classrooms were inspected and the committee talked to teachers, outdoor supervisors and school secretaries. Signage on the campuses was also noted. Grand jury members conversed with school secretaries about monitoring visitors and sign-in procedures. Policies were also discussed with the tour guide.

Among the grand jury’s findings were that Davis Senior High School, and Cesar Chavez and North Davis Elementary Schools have open access to the public through adjacent parks, teachers frequently leave classroom doors unlocked during school hours and trail cameras do not provide instant communication about intruders.

Another finding was that Davis Joint Unified School District allocated $3 million for fencing in 2023 but no fencing has been installed (djusd.net/bond/bond_projects/districtwide_projects/fencing_projects).

The grand jury recommends improved site cameras, with placement across open areas, with the capability for instant communication when there are intruders during school hours; making it a priority for teachers to limit traffic and keep classroom doors locked whenever possible; and beginning the fencing project.

Under California law, the Board of Education/Trustees, Davis Joint Unified School District must respond to the grand jury report within 90 days.

 For more information about the Yolo County Grand Jury, visit yolocounty.gov/living/grand-jury.