Child left at school...

What do you think would make a good policy for the situation when a child is left at school after the day ends? I’m asking because this happened last night and I found myself left with some uncomfortable choices.

At my school, after 15 minutes we start calling parents. At 30 minutes we call all emergency contacts. If we can’t reach anyone we are supposed to call the police.

My principal and I called everyone we could think of and find a phone number to. Mom’s phone was off. Dad’s went to voicemail. ER contact phone was off. At 6pm, (after school program ended at 4:55) Principal said one of us should drive to the house and knock on the door. (It’s not the best neighborhood and it was so dark out so I said no way am I doing that.) That left me alone in a building with no security and one small child. Principal drove over. It’s not their house. Kid doesn’t know how to get to where he lives.

I just hate the thought of our student getting assigned to a random foster parent, especially right before Christmas and the last school day before a 16 day winter break. I know his mom was at work (she works night shift starting at 5pm.) I’m sure she thought his older brother picked him up. But I had no way to contact her.

I would have taken him home. Principal would have taken him home... but of course we know that isn’t allowed. What do you think... is leaving this kid with the police really the best option?