Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 8, 1994 TAG: 9405080052
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: E1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Virginia Beach has expelled 21 students; Richmond has thrown out five this year.
In Fairfax County, the largest school system in the state, school officials have recommended the expulsion of 188 students this school year, up from 89 at the same time last year.
Some of the Fairfax expulsions are being appealed. School officials could not say Friday how many have actually been thrown out.
Roanoke has expelled eight students this year, including four last week for possessing either weapons or drugs.
Some school divisions fear expulsions will end students' chances to complete their educations.
Bedford County School Superintendent John Kent said Friday he has a philosophical disagreement with those who recommend automatic expulsion for serious violations of student conduct codes.
Except for the most severe cases, Kent said, he prefers to place such students in an alternative education program separate from regular classes.
"We are the professionals, and I think we should try to find alternatives," Kent said. "Students might have forfeited their right to an education in regular classes, but they still need an education."
Kent said about 30 serious discipline cases are brought to him each year. He has recommended no expulsions this year. Some students were placed in the county's alternative education program, and some were put in a regional alternative education program.
Kent said Bedford County also has used homebound instruction and an evening high school program in some cases for students who have brought weapons to school or committed other serious violations of the conduct code.
In Lynchburg, there have been several cases this year of weapons or drugs being brought to school, but no students have been expelled. Instead, they were suspended for the remainder of the school year.
James McCormick, Lynchburg school superintendent, said 12 students have been suspended for the year, including three who brought weapons to school and two who had drugs. About half of them have been permitted to attend an alternative education program, and all can return to regular school next year.
Students who have been expelled in Roanoke and other school divisions can return only with the school board's approval.
Montgomery County has expelled two students this year in connection with a fire at a school.
Salem has not expelled any students this year, but it suspended eight for a variety of violations.
Michael Bryant, Salem's assistant superintendent, said the suspensions involve chronic discipline problems, skipping school and other offenses. None was for weapons or drugs.
No students have been expelled from Roanoke County schools this year, but two students have been shifted to different educational programs because of discipline problems.
James Gallion, director of administration for county schools, said no weapons or drugs have been found this year. Two county students were expelled last year for having a gun on school property.
In Roanoke, the School Board has supported Superintendent Wayne Harris' strong stand on weapons, drugs and disruptive behavior. Harris said he hopes the expulsions will convince students that school officials and the School Board are serious about prohibiting weapons and disciplining those who break the rules.
Harris said the weapons and drugs reflect the national trend in schools and a new generation of students.
by CNB