Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 10, 1993                   TAG: 9308100334
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BOWERS: YANK DOWN THOSE FENCES

Bowers says he realizes school officials may not be able to remove the fences immediately because of safety and security reasons.

"But if we can't take them down literally, maybe we can take them down figuratively," he told the city School Board and Superintendent Wayne Harris.

Bowers' remarks came amid a discussion by the board and City Council about student behavior and the need for better discipline in the schools.

Harris, who became superintendent six weeks ago, said the board and school officials are already working on ways to improve the learning environment for students.

Bowers, who recently returned from a trip to Russia, said the fences around William Fleming and Patrick Henry now seem more imposing. "What kind of democracy do we have with these kinds of fences?" he said.

Richard Kelley, executive for business affairs for the schools, said the fences were installed to keep outsiders from going into the schools.

Bowers said after the meeting that he doesn't expect the fences to be removed quickly, but "it is something to work toward."

The School Board and council had a joint dinner meeting as part of Bowers' effort to develop better communication between them.

Several members of the board and council pointed to the need for standards of student behavior and discipline for those who violate the standards.

The Rev. Nelson Harris, a board member, has proposed the appointment of a committee to examine the issue of student behavior and expectations.

Among other issues, Harris wants the committee to address the issue of sexual harassment among students, particularly in light of recent national studies. The committee would include students, parents, school employees and others from the community.

Charles Day, board chairman, said he does not subscribe to the belief that behavioral problems can be excused or blamed on their environment.

Councilman James Harvey said the school system needs to find a way to get parents involved in the behavior and discipline of their children.

Councilman William White, a former School Board member, said discipline is a key to an effective learning environment.

"The message should be that bad behavior won't be tolerated regardless it it's a boy or girl, black or white," Bowers said.

Harris said he would take comments on student behavior and discipline to heart and give them a high priority.