Superintendent's Plan of Attack

In light of the recent incidents of violence at several Hamilton County schools, Superintendent Dr. Jim Scales is announcing immediate broad sweeping plans to tighten policy enforcement and long-term crackdown on school safety.

At a news conference held at Central High School Wednesday afternoon, Scales told a crowded room of teachers, administrators, and media that his immediate course of action will be to step up enforcement of existing safety policies.

Scales says he recently held an hour-and-a-half long meeting with school system principals to discuss plans to increase enforcement.

The following list is a summary of the policies:

1. Activities held on campus in the evenings (sporting events, dances, etc.) are expected to end before 11 p.m.

2. Curfew will be enforced.

3. A minimum of two officers, a member of the administrative staff, and several faculty members are expected to be present at every school event.

4. Students from other schools are not permitted to attend events on other campuses, with the exception of sporting events. At those sporting events, visiting students are expected to be accompanied by faculty.

5. No loitering. Students who are found hanging out on school property after hours will be asked to leave and if they do not listen, they will be arrested.

6. The principals will hold weekly meetings with the school resource officers.

7. When SRO's issue reports, principals are expected to read them, and report them to area superintendents immediately. Those area superintendents are expected to then inform central office staff.

8. Each campus will create and enforce its own "discipline plan."

According to Scales, a discipline advisory committee has been in place for several months, examining safety in the school system and potential areas for improvement. That committee has completed a preliminary report and it will be released upon completion.

Scales also announced plans for a county-wide summit. Beginning in spring or summer, the schools will be hosting a summit for all who are involved in children's lives to come together and work out solutions. Those expected to be invited include parents, students, administrators, teachers, community members, elected officials, SRO's, juvenile court workers, social workers, pastors, and anyone else who has a stake in the lives of youth.