Members of Community Catalyst spoke during a press conference on Nov. 13 demanding changes in the Oxford school district to ensure the safety of students. Photo by Megan Kelley.

By Megan Kelley
Staff Writer
OXFORD – Oxford based parent organization, Community Catalysts held a press conference on Nov. 13 to call for action in the wake of the report done by Guidepost Solutions and Varnum LLP which investigated the district in the weeks and months leading up to and day of the shooting that occurred at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021.
The report was released on Oct. 30, and placed a significant blame on the district for failing to follow its own policies. Four students were killed in the shooting and seven others, including a teacher, were shot.
“In the wake of the Guidepost report that dropped on October 30, 2023, it has become increasingly clear that proactive measures are desperately needed to ensure the safety and mental health of students in our nation’s schools,” the Community Catalysts said in a press release. “It is imperative that we do not wait for such horrific events to occur before addressing these vital issues.”
Several parents in the district spoke, as well as one student, to call for action including the following:
1. The immediate resignation of any Oxford School District employees whose actions or inaction contributed to the events of Nov. 30, 2021.
2. Full Funding for Mental Health Resources.
3. Repeal of law MCL 600.6431, which states that for a claim against the state for property damage or personal injuries, the claimant shall file the claim or notice under subsection with the clerk of the court of claims within six months after the event that gives rise to the claim.
4. Repeal of law MCL 691.1407, which grants immunity from tort liability; intentional torts; immunity of judge, legislator, official, and guardian ad litem; immunity of governmental agency under MISS DIG underground facility damage prevention and safety act.
Parents urged community members to attend the school board meeting that would take place the following day and demand action from its leaders.