SAFER SCHOOLS

Missouri schools have become a battleground of sorts, especially in urban areas. Violence and drugs are far too commonplace. But a new Safe Schools Act may help transform school battle zones into places of peaceful learning. This package of bills is long overdue and should give administrators a step up to handle some of its most dangerous young offenders

The new act gives schools the ability to share school records about violent and disruptive students who attempt to transfer to other districts. The law also allows a new school to deny enrollment to students who have been suspended elsewhere. It provides important knowledge that schools need at the front. Too often, schools learn the hard way about dangerous transfer students: when they commit a crime at their new school.

The legislation also requires law enforcement officers and school administrators to report to each other regarding students who commit any of 19 crimes ranging from murder to possession of drugs or a weapon. In the past, many of these records were sealed because of the age of the offender. But it is no secret that violent crime is escalating among today's juveniles. Due to the nature of the juvenile justice system, these crimes are often kept quiet, and penalties for even the most violent of crimes are much less severe.

The Safe Schools Act also includes $13 million to finance alternative schools for troublemakers. The Cape Girardeau School District has found its alternative school program quite workable.

The package of bills also increases penalties for the most serious crimes committed on school grounds.

* It increases penalties for lesser assaults from misdemeanors to felonies.

* It allows judges to force children at least 14 years of age to work to pay back damages for property crimes or other non-violent offenses.

* It requires expulsion of students convicted or charged with any of nine serious crimes.

* It extends drug-free school zones from the current maximum of 1,000 feet to 2,000 feet. Distribution of drugs within a school zone is a felony.

This legislation gives schools new tools to fight drugs, violence and troublemakers on school grounds. If schools can't keep the peace, they can't teach the basics.