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Parents speak out on school violence
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| By MARK J. CRAWFORD, Telegraph Staff Writer |
November 18, 2005 |
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Town halls scheduled for tonight, Monday
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That parents were angry over recent violence and ethical problems in the school system-and a perceived failure to respond to those problems-was plain to see by the turnout at the Bradford County School Board meeting on Nov. 14 when a full house gathered to see if the board would address their concerns.
But neither the board nor Superintendent Harry Hatcher chose to respond to public comments, which further served to deepen the communication divide.
Of the 100-plus parents, students and others attending the meeting, however, only three individuals submitted public comment cards, and only two of them chose to discuss violence and other discipline problems at Bradford High and other schools.
Sara Wilson requested the school district enforce a more "stringent" system in which more control could be exercised over what is going on in the schools.
"We're very concerned about things that are weak in our administration, and I'm asking for that to be stronger... This is unacceptable to me as a parent who will soon have a child in the ninth grade," Wilson said.
Both of her middle school children are experiencing the same types of situations, she said.
Even a stricter dress code could be used to increase discipline and remove elements of competition and jealousy, she suggested. Anything that could help minimize incidents of violence needs to be considered, Wilson said.
"Once we face a fatality, and we will be looking at that one day if we don't control what's going on, we can't go back," she said.
Debbie VanAllen said she was concerned about the district's leadership and wanted to know why Hatcher would not return her phone calls.
She has moved her youngest daughter to a Clay County school, believing it was in her best interest, but couldn't get in touch with the superintendent to sign the form approving the transfer.
"Everyday that you didn't return my call, my daughter was out of school," said VanAllen. "I just feel like your job is to care about children, not ignore a parent's request."
Such lack of communication was not unprecedented, she said, pointing to problems her older daughter had at the high school last year. That daughter took all of her classes through Santa Fe Community College because she said the environment at the high school was so bad.
VanAllen said Principal Karl Wendell has failed to address disciplinary issues, including violence and drug use, at the high school. He is unable to manage and supervise the students in his care and needs to be replaced, she said.
"Our kids are being physically attacked, are subjected to drug use in the bathrooms and on campus, and recent staff have been hired without prior background checks," she said.
She had stern words for Hatcher as well.
"Mr. Hatcher, you make an excess of $93,000 a year. I think you need to work for your money," VanAllen said.
Later, VanAllen said she was frustrated by the board's and the superintendent's refusal to answer questions. She also observed that the board had security present to protect themselves, but wondered where that security was when a 14-year-old was beaten in a high school bathroom.
The one action the school board did take with regard to recent events was the acceptance of two resignations. Employees Matthew Moore and Brenda Dorminey (formerly Brenda Wolfe) resigned last week after being caught having sex during a soccer match at the high school.
The superintendent has said problems are being addressed by a mixture of increased security and student and faculty awareness.
Hatcher will attend two town hall meetings this week to speak directly with the public. The first, for parents of Bradford High School students, will take place tonight, Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the BHS auditorium.
The NAACP is sponsoring a town hall on Monday, Nov. 21., at 6 p.m. in the RJE gymnasium on Pine Street in Starke. That meeting will explore additional topics, including FCAT scores, the dropout rate, ethical conduct, the teen pregnancy rate and busing issues.
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©Bradford County Telegraph 2009
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