Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 3, 1995 TAG: 9508030031
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
After months of tabling the decision, the board passed a conduct code that specifically addresses bringing weapons to school. But some on the board, particularly the two who voted against the code, questioned whether it was clear enough.
The code, revised by a committee that included parents, teachers and students, was first presented to the board at the May 16 meeting. At that and subsequent meetings, the board spent hours discussing the 12-page document.
This year, the board struggled with the issue of violence in schools, suspending two high school students for bringing weapons to school in separate incidents.
After that experience, several members said they wanted the code to clearly define their punishment policy.
They asked administrators to simplify the wording, define all types of weapons and list specific consequences for violating rules.
Administrators re-worded much of the code. They separated and listed weapons into nonfirearms - knives, for example - and firearms categories.
And they included a note that explains using a knife to threaten someone or bringing a firearm to school will result in an automatic recommendation for expulsion. In the case of firearms, students would be expelled for a minimum of one year.
But School Board member Peggy Arrington, who voted against the code, said she still wasn't satisfied. She wanted to see consequences listed more specifically and the expulsion note shown more prominently, possibly near the front of the code. Barry Worth also voted against the code.
Administrators will print the entire code on folder-sized cards. Parents will be required to sign it; so will students in grades 6-12.
by CNB