Local school officials should have more freedom to determine how students are punished, educators and legislators said at the Safe Schools Summit yesterday.
An 18-member panel of educators, medical experts and law enforcement officials gathered in Columbus to discuss improvements to Ohio school safety, such as preventative measures to deter violence and bullying.
They also suggested local districts survey students, teachers and parents about the perceived safety of their school, according to an Ohio Department of Education news release.
Superintendents and principals can expel students for verbal threats and class disruptions. These powers should be limited or clarified, according to an Ohio State University report presented at the summit.
On average, Athens County schools had 20.5 disciplinary actions for every 100 students during the 2005-06 school year, according to the ODE. Trimble Local School District had the highest rate of disciplinary actions in Athens County during the same time, 47.7 actions for every 100 students. These actions include in-school and out-of-school suspensions, alternative discipline and emergency removal from school by district personnel.
Athens City School District students are suspended frequently for violating school rules, said Superintendent Carl Martin.
Safety is always a concern
whether it be violence a disruption or even a wet floor Martin said.
A lack of safety in public schools is the No. 1 reason parents pursue other options, such as home or private schooling, said panel member Senator Joy Padgett, R-Coshocton.
Bullying creates an atmosphere of fear for many students
Padgett said.
The panel also discussed preventative measures for crises, which includes everything from school shootings to nuclear meltdowns, said Jennifer Sheets, president of the Ohio Board of Education.
Every child in Ohio needs a safe environment to go to school
Sheets said, adding that complacency and a lack of monetary support through levies might be some obstacles to safety specific to rural areas, such as Athens County.
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