📰PARENT VOICES SAFETY CONCERNS:

“...I’m the father of a new kindergartner at Biddeford Primary School… I don’t want Biddeford to become one of those towns that ends up on every national news network” - Angelo Giraulo, Concerned Father and Biddeford Resident

Just 1 day after the Biddeford Primary School experienced a “hold in place”, a concerned parent and resident of Biddeford attended the Biddeford City Council meeting to voice their concerns.

In addition to attaching the video of Mr. Giraulo sharing his concerns, we also included his full statement below:

“Good evening members of the City Council,

My name is Angelo Giraulo, and I have been a proud resident of Biddeford since 2010. I want to thank you for the work you’ve done in leading our community through both growth and challenges.

I am also the father of a new kindergartner at Biddeford Primary School, and I am here tonight to speak about what I believe to be one of the most important responsibilities we share: protecting our youngest and most precious citizens, the children at Biddeford’s primary schools, from kindergarten through third grade.

I have noticed that there is rarely, if ever, an officer posted at drop-off or pick-up. These are the exact times when hundreds of children are moving in and out of the building, when traffic is at its peak, and when the school is most vulnerable. I strongly urge the city to prioritize having a police officer present from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m., and again from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.

We also must acknowledge the reality of the world we live in today. Schools, especially those with very young children, are soft targets for malicious individuals who may seek to do harm or send a political message. With tensions high around the world, it is our duty to make sure our community is not vulnerable in this way.

I don’t want Biddeford to become one of those towns that ends up on every national news network, trying to explain a tragedy after the fact. I don’t want us to have to explain to Anderson Cooper, or anyone else, why we didn’t do more when we had the chance.

If it means reallocating or decertifying funds from another area, I believe this is a worthwhile and necessary adjustment. There is nothing more important than safeguarding our children as they begin their education and their lives in this community.

Thank you for your time and consideration.”

In conclusion, the Council seemed to nod in agreement while Mr. Giraulo spoke to them and thanked him for taking time to help better educate them on the matter.

A special kudos to Angelo for his willingness to speak to the council and to take time out of his evening on a weekday - your voice makes a difference and is appreciated - thank you!