KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - Local advocacy groups held a town hall meeting on Thursday night for kids to voice their concerns about bullying following the tragic stabbing of 14-year-old Serenity Baker at Roy J. Smith Middle School earlier this month. The meeting, organized by Brandy Byrd of the Killeen Community Action Alliance, aimed to provide a platform for students to discuss their experiences and seek solutions to the ongoing issue of bullying in schools.
Despite the outrage and discussions circulating online, the turnout was disappointingly low, prompting the meeting to conclude two hours early. Byrd emphasized the importance of giving children a voice, stating, "We’re here to give voice to you and actually do something about it." The low attendance highlighted a reluctance among students to come forward, even as parents engaged in conversations about various forms of bullying, including physical and cyberbullying.
One of the key messages from the meeting was the importance of reporting any incidents of bullying or feeling unsafe. Attendees were encouraged to inform teachers, principals, Killeen Independent School District (KISD) police, or local law enforcement if they observed or experienced bullying. Byrd noted, "Things off campus can be brought on campus and the other way around. And with cyberbullying, it doesn’t have an on-off thing, so please tell a teacher, your principal, KISD police and KPD."
In addition to the advocacy group representatives, Phylis Jones from the Child Welfare Board spoke at the meeting, sharing her experience as a retired KISD employee with 35 years of service. Jones underscored the need for children to feel comfortable discussing their concerns with trusted adults. "I’m now an advocate and I want to advocate for you," she said, emphasizing that students should not fear being labeled as a "snitch" when reporting dangerous situations.
The town hall meeting comes in the wake of Serenity Baker's tragic death on March 10, 2025. Her mother, Glenda Jacobs, has been vocal about her frustrations regarding the school's response to the incident. At a Killeen ISD school board meeting on March 25, Jacobs demanded accountability from district officials, expressing her disappointment over the lack of communication following her daughter's death.
Jacobs shared her emotional turmoil, stating, "I'm here today with heavy hearts still, and it's been however long since the tragedy that happened on March 10, 2025 — my daughter was murdered." She criticized the school’s handling of the incident, particularly the response time of staff and security, questioning why her daughter was left bleeding on the floor while friends attempted to provide aid. "Where was the staff, where was the faculty, and where was the security?" Jacobs asked, highlighting the need for a thorough review of school safety protocols.
Furthermore, Jacobs revealed that Serenity had previously expressed concerns about the suspect, indicating that there were warning signs leading up to the attack. "There were many times where she called me at school because she felt like something was going to happen," Jacobs recounted. Her emotional plea for improved school security resonated with many in attendance. "Children should not be sent to school and not be able to come back home — it's sad. I don't know, but something needs to be done — security, everything," she stated passionately.
The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating Serenity's death, and KISD is reportedly working on enhancing safety measures in the wake of the tragedy. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, the calls for better communication, accountability, and safety protocols continue to grow.
In light of the discussions at the town hall meeting and the ongoing investigation, it is clear that both parents and students are seeking a more proactive approach to addressing bullying and ensuring the safety of children in schools. The tragic loss of Serenity Baker has sparked a critical conversation about the need for systemic changes within the educational environment, emphasizing the importance of listening to the voices of students and implementing effective measures to prevent future incidents.
As the community reflects on these events, it remains to be seen how KISD and local authorities will respond to the urgent calls for action. The hope is that through open dialogue and collaboration, a safer and more supportive environment can be established for all students.
