Parents, teachers, and community members addressed Worcester County Board of Education members at their March 19 meeting on safety issues in the school system. While most residents said they support the body’s efforts, some comments criticized the group for a lack of transparency.
At a March 1 press conference, Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor disputed claims made by Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser and Sheriff Matt Crisafulli that since the 2019-2020 academic year, schools have seen a 171% increase in fighting and a 225% surge of attacks on school staff. The superintendent argued the data represented all student disciplinary referrals. He said that these write-ups cover a wide range of incidents, and while few were violence-related, others were violations of school policy.
At the start of the March 19 meeting, Taylor assured that the board is dedicated to maintaining safety in Worcester County Public Schools and praised Chief Academic and Safety Officer Annette Wallace’s student-centered approach to discipline.
“Her knowledge…is exactly why I chose her to oversee our safety,” he said. “However, we also recognize the importance of having law enforcement as a part of our team, which is why Shawn Goddard, a retired officer from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office who served as a school deputy, works with Dr. Wallace on all safety matters as manager of school safety and security.”
2 local govt entities who cant get along, self feelings are hurt…..yet this is about all children and their safety.
Bad elected and hired officials. Check you egos or you will be out.
They’ll just be replaced with more power hungry morons. Those who seek power are always poorly qualified. And the qualified steer clear of such behavior.
It’s obvious more discipline is needed in schools, but the school says not.