JACKSON R-2 DISTRICT COMMUNITY UPDATE

The 1996-97 school year is off to an excellent start. Our enrollment has increased by over 100 students, but all 4,100-plus have been assigned to classrooms or class schedules. It has been difficult to find classroom space for this continued increase, but we are so thankful that planning is well under way for the new construction made possible by the recent successful bond issue. Teachers are busy attending to the task of preparing these young people with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful adults. However, skills and knowledge are only two parts of a vital equation for a successful and fulfilling life. The other important element falls in the realm of attitude and discipline. Employers constantly remind us of the importance of basic values and attitudes in successful employment.

A new piece of legislation, designed to reinforce the importance of discipline in schools, is demanding a significant amount of the administration's time currently. House Bills 1301 and 1289, passed by the 88th General Assembly and signed by the governor, has been referred to as the "Safe Schools Act." This legislation follows action by the legislature in a previous session in the "Juvenile Justice Bill." The motivation of these two pieces of legislation is a growing concern about the increase in juvenile crime and particularly the impact disruptive behaviors and violence have on the school environment. The most recent legislation received special attention as it followed two serious incidents in city schools. In one case a student was killed by another student, and in the other a teacher violently assaulted a teacher.

We are fortunate that serious violent behavior is rare in our school district. However, no school district is immune from the occasional incidents of fighting, intimidation, disrespect for authority and general disruptive behavior. Legislation provides school authorities and law enforcement officers guidelines to follow in enforcing rules and regulations. Legislation does not however change the hearts and attitudes of a child or young adult. Without getting into the political debate about whether a family or a village raises a child, I would contend that it takes both to instill expectations for good and proper behavior in a developing child. When the family neglects the presentation of acceptable standards of behavior to the child, the community must make these expectations clear.

In an effort to clearly communicate expectations and the consequences of not meeting those expectations, the "Safe Schools Legislation" requires that each district develop clear codes of conduct in policy and that the consequences of inappropriate actions are spelled out. Our district is finalizing these guidelines and policies at this time. Upon completion and approval by the Board of Education, these guidelines will be distributed to all parents and to every student annually. Teachers will also instruct students in the importance of this Code of Conduct.

It should be noted that an important element of this legislation is a reporting requirement and the sharing of information between law enforcement officials and other schools. Any student who commits an act included in the 19 categories of reportable offenses will be reported to teachers with the "need to know" and to law enforcement officials. In essence this requirement creates a "record" for students who commit violent offenses at school, on school property or while at a school activity. Throughout this year all schools will be working through the logistics of implementing this legislation. We know the citizens of Jackson expect students to behave appropriately at school and that disruptive students should not be allowed to rob serious students of their right to good instruction. It will be our intent to be reasonable; after all, these young people are not only learning to read and write, but they are also learning how to function as responsible citizens in a challenging society.

As parents attempt to share their expectations with their children they might find it helpful to simplify this complex law with an explanation I heard from a young sheriff several years ago. Following a presentation at a local service club, a member asked, "With so many confusing laws out there, how can I possibly know if I am following them?" The sheriff responded, "You can keep it pretty simple if you always remember to do the following: 1.) Don't hurt anyone, and 2.) Don't take anything that doesn't belong to you." I know this is an oversimplification of law, but it seems that most discipline problems we experience at school would be solved by following the sheriff's advice.

We will provide additional information regarding these policies as they are finalized.

Dr. Howard Jones is superintendent of the Jackson School District.