Solomon Galligan : Black Forest Hills Parents Meet with Cherry Creek Schools: A Collaborative Partnership

AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — Concerned parents gathered once again to meet with school district leaders on Thursday morning to address the recent attempted kidnapping incident at Black Forest Hills Elementary. The incident, which occurred last month, involved a man with a history of sexual offenses who entered the school grounds and attempted to abduct a child. Parents are seeking answers and accountability from Cherry Creek Schools.

Following the incident, the school made an administrative change by replacing the principal. However, parents expressed their disappointment after the meeting on Thursday morning, feeling that they were not closer to a resolution.

An internal investigation into the attempted kidnapping, captured on surveillance video, is nearing completion. Parents are demanding full transparency regarding the incident.

Parents Advocate for Safety Changes

During the meeting, parents requested various safety measures, including increased safety training, enhanced surveillance equipment, and additional fencing around the school premises. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Solomon Galligan, a registered sex offender, was able to access the school property and approach students.

Parents also raised concerns about the remaining personnel involved in the incident and questioned whether they would face termination. However, this question remained unanswered during the meeting.

One parent, Dante White, whose child encountered the suspect, emphasized the importance of accountability and expressed the need for concrete actions to ensure the safety of students.

Call for Community Involvement

White highlighted the upcoming bond issue in November as an opportunity for the community to get involved in securing proper funding for school safety measures. He also mentioned an upcoming school board meeting on Monday at Thunder Ridge, encouraging community members to participate and be part of the solution.

Cherry Creek Schools’ Response

In response to the incident, Cherry Creek Schools outlined several changes in a letter sent to parents. These changes include the appointment of an acting principal, increased presence of security coordinators, additional patrols by the Aurora Police Department and district security team, and reinforcement of security protocols.

The letter also mentioned the availability of mental health resources for students and staff, as well as the reinstatement of Watchdog Dads/Moms program to involve parents in ensuring school safety.

Despite these measures, parents believe that more needs to be done to address security concerns and protect students at Black Forest Hills Elementary.

Community Engagement

Community members are invited to speak during the public comment session at the school board meeting. Those interested in sharing their thoughts must complete the public comment form before noon on the day of the meeting.

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