School District Reports 24 Incidents of Violence for 2011-12 School Year

There were 24 incidents of violence on school district property during the 2011-12 school year.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vanessa Clark reported the figures at the October school board meeting, which served as the annual hearing as required by state legislation.

The figures included:

• 24 incidents of violence;
• Seven reports of vandalism;
• Four reports of weapon possession;
• Eight reports of substance abuse;
• There was one case of vandalism involving costs to the school district;
• There were 23 incidents in which action was taken meaning police was notified but a complaint was not filed;
• There were two incidents in which police were notified and a complaint was filed;
• As a result, there were two in-school and 80 out-of-school suspensions.

The violence and vandalism report and figures are separate from the harassment, intimidation and bullying numbers, which Superintendent Dr. Sandra Brower reported at the August school board meeting.

Board president Jack Martenak said the district has previously cracked down on violence and vandalism by installing video cameras and adding lighting that operate after school hours. The district will be applying for grants to extend that coverage, he said.

According to the state Department of Education, the following offenses are included in each type of incident:

• Violence: assaults, fight, robbery, extortion, sex offense, criminal threat, threat
• Vandalism: arson, bomb threat or fake bomb, burglary, damage to property, fire alarm offense, fireworks offense, theft, trespassing
• Weapons: firearm, bomb offense or other weapons such as knife, club, spray, or air gun
• Substance Abuse: use, possession, sale or distribution

State figures as well as more information on the violence and vandalism policy can be found attached as a PDF.