Senator Shawnna Bolick (R-2) is urging immediate action to improve school safety transparency following the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Michael Montoya II at Maryvale High School on Tuesday.

Montoya was rushed to the hospital after suffering multiple stab wounds during an altercation inside a classroom. He later succumbed to his injuries. Police say the suspect, 16-year-old Chris Daniel Aguilar, attacked Montoya with a pocket knife in retaliation for stealing a gun days earlier. Aguilar was taken into custody and now faces murder charges. Witnesses allege the suspect and his twin brother openly threatened to kill Montoya prior to the attack.

In a statement, Bolick offered condolences to Montoya’s family and classmates while warning that Arizona schools are not equipped to address warning signs before they escalate into deadly violence.

“This is a painful reminder of what happens when children grow up in environments where criminal behavior is allowed to take root,” Bolick said. “One student allegedly committed a robbery, and another chose to retaliate with deadly violence. The result is a senseless loss of life, a 16-year-old facing murder charges, and a community left shattered. We cannot allow schools to become battlegrounds.”

Bolick highlighted her previous work on Senate Bill SB1255, which would have required stronger reporting tools for school safety, ensuring parents and administrators had clear and transparent information on risks within each district. The bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support earlier this year, but was held in the House. She vowed to revive the legislation during the next session.

“Families in Arizona should know how safe their child’s public school is, and this information should be easily accessible on every school’s website to ensure complete transparency,” Bolick said. “We cannot stand by while students fall through the cracks of a system that ignores clear warning signs. I will continue to advocate for safety awareness in schools by reintroducing similar legislation next session to make it a reality.”

The Maryvale tragedy rattled parents across Phoenix, reigniting debate over how schools handle safety reporting, threats, and violent disputes before they turn fatal.