School violence figures show drop

The number of occurrences listed on a statewide school violence report shows that Alleghany County schools had a decrease in overall instances in the last school year.

The figures, which show the number of incidents in the school system for school year 1999-2000, show the county had four occurrences of reportable incidents. Of the incidents, two were possession of a weapon, one was possession of a substance and one was an assault on school personnel. The county's overall rate of incidence dropped to 2.821 per 1,000 students.

In 1998-1999, the county had six offenses committed, relating to 4.199 offenses per 1,000 students. During that year, Alleghany schools had two students charged with possession of a controlled substance and four students were charged with possession of a weapon.

Statewide for 2000-2001, the number of offenses dropped about 4.1 percent as compared to the 1998-1999 figures.

Alleghany schools spokesperson Brenda Sutherland said that the system is pleased with the reduction, but would like to see the numbers reach zero.

"We're always looking for lower numbers," she said. "We appreciate the work of our safe school teams, administrators, support staff, teachers, SRO (School Resource Officer) and everyone else who works hard to keep our schools safe.

"Even so, there is always room for improvement," Sutherland said. Sutherland also touted the school system's new countywide character education program, which provides plans to help teachers implement character lessons in their daily plans. "School safety is dependent on all of us," she said.

Principal Jim Halsey also noted that possession of a weapon can be a bit misleading, with the "weapon" most often confiscated here being a pocket knife. "We haven't had anyone bring a dagger with the intent of harming someone, it is usually just negligence in following the rules.

"Any more, any pocket knife is considered a weapon, you aren't supposed to have it on school property," he said. "Sometimes the kids just forget and sometimes they don't think we will catch them."
 
 

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