My wife and I have had the pleasure of raising four children in the Lakeport area over the last 22 years.

All four children attended the Lakeport Unified School District through at least eighth grade.

It was during the 2016-2017 academic year when my youngest child, an eighth grader at the time, was involved in a physical altercation in which he was injured.

He was approached from behind and slammed to the ground; he received a broken radius and ulna. He also sustained a serious head injury.

The punishment for the student that injured him was only a two- or three-day suspension.

The lack of consequences in this situation is an open invitation for future assaults.

There were numerous documented incidents at this school district during the 2016-2017 school year.

This school has become a much more dangerous place; I would never again send my child through the Lakeport Unified School District, as discipline follows policy, and it is clear that policy is not being implemented by the individuals responsible for the safety of our children.

This school district needs people who will emphasize discipline and consequences, as well as the pursuit of academic excellence.

I therefore recommend Carly Alvord, Dan Buffalo, and Jen Hanson as board members for the Lakeport Unified School District.

John Helms lives in Lakeport, Calif.