Christeena Gallahue for Oldham county school board

Student safety is not simply about preventing harm. It is about creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, participate, and succeed.

I have:

• Advocated for student safety when concerns arose involving educational environments and student welfare.
• Supported students with disabilities and unique learning needs as both a parent and a behavioral health professional.
• Studied Title IX requirements, policies, procedures, and guidance related to student rights and educational equity.
• Participated in communications, complaints, and reviews involving Title IX concerns and student welfare issues.
• Reviewed policies, records, and documentation relating to student safety, complaint procedures, investigations, and compliance processes.
• Worked with youth facing behavioral health challenges, substance abuse issues, developmental disabilities, and emotional crises.
• Advocated for clear procedures, accountability, and appropriate responses when student concerns are raised.
• Observed and experienced firsthand how school policies and administrative decisions can affect students and families.
• Studied issues involving restraint, seclusion, behavioral interventions, and student support services.
• Listened to students and families who felt their concerns were not fully understood or addressed.

These experiences reinforced my belief that every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, respected, supported, and treated fairly.

If elected, I will support:

• Safe learning environments where students can focus on learning and personal growth.
• Behavioral supports and early interventions that help prevent crises before they occur.
• Thoughtful consideration of emerging sports and activities that reflect the interests of today's students. 
• Staff training that equips educators to effectively support students with behavioral, emotional, and specialized needs.
• Clear policies and procedures for addressing student concerns fairly, consistently, and respectfully.
• A culture where students feel comfortable reporting concerns and know they will be taken seriously and not face retaliation as a consequence.
• Continued evaluation of district practices involving student safety and student support.
• The use of evidence based behavioral interventions that prioritize positive outcomes for students.
• Efforts to reduce reliance on restraint and seclusion whenever safe and appropriate alternatives are available.
• Fair and consistent implementation of policies designed to protect students and ensure equal access to educational opportunities.
• Open communication between schools and families when concerns involving student welfare arise.

Student safety is not simply about preventing harm. It is about creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, participate, and succeed.