Parents to Hold Meeting on Gangs in Schools

A group of Hamilton county parents is coming together to help solve the gang problem. They're planning a meeting next week to focus on gangs in local schools.

The group wants to change school system policies regarding gang members.

"If it's proven that you're in a gang, it's zero tolerance," said Danny Brown, one of the group's directors.

Brown says they want known gang members kicked out of school. Right now, the zero tolerance policy applies to weapons or drugs on school grounds.

Changing the rule, however, will need school board approval. So the parents are organizing a meeting next Monday at Tyner High School for all parents who want to get involved. They say Superintendent Rick Smith and several school board members will attend. They're hoping the police chief and sheriff will, too.

"We've started it, but we want representation from every district in Hamilton County," said Brown.

The main organizers are from the Harrison and Highway 58 area, but in three weeks, the group's Facebook page has almost 400 members from all over the county.

On January 11, investigators say there was at least one instance of gang activity at a Hamilton County school. Six students at Central High School were arrested for fighting. Investigators say it was between two rival gangs.

"There's cities all across this country that are not being proactive until it's too late," Brown said.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. on Monday, January 30 at Tyner High School. To learn more, click here.