Where is proof that armed staff data is wrong?

This is an open letter to the Bokowys and Aitkins

You have publicly stated that your recall effort is based on your concerns about the published analysis that I brought forward as part of the discussion by the Lake Pend Oreille School Board and community following the board’s decision back in January to explore whether arming guards or staff was a viable option to increase the safety of students and staff.

You were quoted by the Daily Bee as saying: “Either he’s not critical enough of the data, or he knows the data is false and is still presenting it.” While you seem to feel comfortable painting me as a liar, to date you have never actually stated why the published analysis was false. This makes it impossible for me to respond to your criticism as I would very much like to do.

Since you have made this the centerpiece of your recall effort, I think it is only fair that you cite exactly why you believe the analysis is false. Did the shootings he analyzed not happen? Did he omit shootings you feel should have been included?

The issue he addressed spoke directly to the questions at hand of a long response time from law enforcement, and whether an armed presence on campus could change the outcome. I was directed to this piece by local law enforcement. Regarding the gentlemen from Homeland Security, if you will recall he attended the public meeting and spoke to the analysis. Perhaps you weren’t listening to opinions that you oppose.

Your intolerance to views not consistent with your own is outrageous. While I realize this conversation is uncomfortable, it’s one that the community deserves. Your insistence of censoring any conversation inconsistent with your views is beyond the bounds of reason and your mischaracterization of facts is shameful.

After a full board discussion I worked with our superintendent, Shawn Woodward, to research the question of whether we should consider having an armed presence in our schools. In reporting back to the board I presented research, findings and details on how this can be implemented. To answer the many questions of how this could be done a sample policy was included in the presentation that related to the volunteer, carefully screened, and trained armed staff option, which would amount to roughly 2-5 percent of the district staff. There was not, nor has there been, a policy that has been on the agenda for adoption.

A common political tactic that is deployed when one cannot argue the substance is to destroy the messenger. So far you have attacked the author and, by extension me, because you don’t like his politics. So, for me to respond to your general accusation of my using false data I am asking you to be specific.

I would like to thank all of those who participated in the free and open exchange of ideas in search of a solution to ensure the utmost safety of our students and staff.

Steve Youngdahl is chairman of the Lake Pend Oreille School Board.