As students in Washington, D.C., prepare to return to school this week, the atmosphere is marked by a significant increase in law enforcement presence. Over 2,000 National Guard troops have been authorized by President Donald Trump as part of a crackdown on crime in the capital. However, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser stated that the presence of these troops will not assist in the safe return of students. "We don't need federal agencies to help get kids to school," Bowser said. "We will take care of getting our kids to school."

The new school year begins with optimism, as Bowser and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) report that proficiency rates in English language arts and math are at their highest since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 100,000 students are set to return to D.C. schools on Monday. Safety remains a primary concern for education leaders, especially with the heightened law enforcement presence. A military vehicle was involved in an accident last week, raising concerns about safety as troops gather at Metro rail stations, a common transit route for students.

Bowser emphasized that D.C. has established transportation strategies, including a safe passage program where local law enforcement will monitor streets. For families who feel unsafe, the district offers a safe connect program to provide rides to school. Bowser believes the deployment of the National Guard is unnecessary, noting that crime rates had already decreased significantly prior to the surge. "I think calling men and women from their homes and their jobs and their families -- they have to be used on, you know, on mission-specific items that benefit the nation," she said. "I don't think we have an armed militia in the nation's capital."

In contrast, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith acknowledged that the presence of federal agents has improved safety in the city. "Hearing from the officers on the street, some of them have found it to be very helpful, some people in the community have found it to be very helpful," Smith said.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, nearly 200,000 students are also returning to school this week. School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington noted that crime and shootings have decreased in the city. The district is investing in "safety zones" by contracting with the Philadelphia Police Department for additional patrols in areas with increased violence. "We've invested more resources and safe paths programs where we contract with community organizations to oversee children as they traverse, as they make their way to school, to ensure their safety," Watlington said.

Watlington is also focused on creating a welcoming environment for students. He believes that fostering connections among students and staff is crucial for their social and emotional well-being. "We have to build relationships," he said. "When kids who feel connected, their social and emotional mental health and wellness are attended to, and they have relationships with each other and with adults, when they see something, they're more likely to say something."

Despite these efforts, concerns remain about significant cuts to the public transit system, SEPTA, which could impact students' transportation. "We just can't go and get more yellow school buses and put them on the street in Philadelphia," Watlington said. "We rely on public transit, and it is unfortunate, and it's no fault of our children that they'll have some impacts to their transportation."

Both Bowser and Watlington agree that safety is the top priority as students return to school. At a back-to-school pep rally, Bowser encouraged community support for students. "Our children deserve and will get a joyful start to their school year," she said. "All the adults in our buildings, all of the people in our government are focused on making sure that that happens."