Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 26, 1994 TAG: 9407260066
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
No, Harris says, he is not softening the city's disciplinary policy or backing away from his tough stand on guns, other weapons and drugs.
Under the current policy, a principal is required to recommend expulsion for possession of a gun or other weapon.
Students also may be expelled for other reasons: bringing drugs to school, sexual harassment, assault, burglary, arson and vandalism.
Ten students were expelled last year, most for bringing weapons or drugs to school.
But, Harris told City Council on Monday, school officials are revamping the city's alternative education program to create an "intermediate" penalty between a 10-day suspension and expulsion for some offenses.
Expulsion is permanent denial of access to city public schools. The case is heard by a disciplinary review committee, but expulsion may be approved or rescinded only by the School Board. The board voted to uphold Harris' recommendation for expulsion in the 10 cases last year.
"In unusual cases, there should be an appropriate intermediate step [short of expulsion]," he said. ``There may be a window of opportunity for a student to have another chance.''
Harris also told council that school officials are trying to help expelled students complete their schooling even though they can't return to school.
Some School Board members have said they support the get-tough policy, but they have been concerned about the future of children who are barred permanently from city schools.
The discipline discussion arose at a joint meeting of the School Board and council. Most of the meeting focused on positive developments during Harris' first year as superintendent.
Mayor David Bowers said most of the people he has talked with about Harris have given the superintendent good reviews. Bowers asked Harris about discipline and safety in the schools
Harris assured Bowers that the schools are safe and will remain so. The restructuring of the alternative education program to provide another level of disciplinary action is one of the school system's priorities for next year, Harris said.
The superintendent said he hopes to have a new conduct code for elementary pupils by early next year. A new code for high school students was approved last year.
Reducing the city's 7 percent dropout rate and increasing students' scores on standardized tests also will have high priority, he said.
Harris said the school system will find it easier to maintain a high level of education if it has council's support.
School Board members thanked council for including funds for schools in a November bond referendum. The money will enable the school system to begin renovating its middle schools and upgrade its instructional technology, said board Chairman Nelson Harris.
Councilman William White, a former School Board member, said council needs to support the schools to ensure that educational quality does not decline.
"Council has to be willing to set the example," said White, only the second person in the past two decades to have served on both the board and council.
Marsha Ellison, one of two new board members, said parents and city residents support the upgrading of instructional technology and the renovation of the middle schools.
John Saunders, the other new member, said he has been encouraged by council's support for education.
by CNB