Watertown School Board Member Calls for Multi-Agency Safety Review of Homecoming Van Tradition
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - During reports to the superintendent at the conclusion of Tuesday’s regular meeting, Watertown School Board Member Roshal Rossman expressed concerns regarding the safety of the community's student homecoming "van" tradition and called for a multi-agency review to consider potential changes.
Emerging Safety Concerns and Community Editorial
Rossman addressed the board after homecoming week festivities, thanked district administrative staff for maintaining student safety during major events, and highlighted growing safety risks associated with the traditional student "vans."
"I know I might be opening a can of worms that people aren't ready for quite yet, but just wanted to do a little follow-up commenting on the homecoming vans fresh off homecoming last week," Rossman said.
"As a Watertown graduate myself, I value tradition and value the memories that come with Homecoming week and leading up to Homecoming. And I want our students to have that same fun and make their own memories, but I just want to resonate that I want them to be safe."
Rossman referenced an editorial by community member Brad Johnson in the Watertown Current that highlighted the issue.
"Nobody likes to be the fun police... but I do think that we need to start being honest about the fact that the Homecoming van tradition has really evolved over time from what it began as, and as that has evolved, the safety concerns have continued to grow along with it," Rossman stated.
"So far, I feel like we've been fortunate that the accidents that have maybe occurred out in the community or outlying in the country haven't resulted in catastrophic injuries or even worse. But I don't want our community to keep crossing our fingers while we hope and can hope that continues to be the case."
Proposal for Multi-Agency Dialogue
Rossman noted that multiple community members approached her before, during, and after homecoming week to express apprehension about the tradition. She proposed convening a broad coalition of stakeholders to discuss potential safety measures or structural changes.
"I do think that it would be great if our school district, the parents, future parents, past parents of students, local law enforcement, the city, and perhaps even insurance providers for vehicles could come together and have an honest conversation to determine if any changes could be possible," Rossman said. "As both a parent and a board member, I just really feel a responsibility to speak up when I see a safety concern."
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielsen confirmed that district administration is working with municipal law enforcement to assess the situation.
"We are planning to sit down at least with the PD to start with here, make some determinations here post last week's homecoming," Danielsen reported. "So that'll be in the next week, either this week or next week."
