Published: November 11, 2008 08:27 am         

School looks to gain upper hand on discipline

Chouteau School Resource Officer Annalyn Cox received the support of the school board Thursday for a citizen’s arrest program in the schools.

The program hasn’t been finalized, but Cox wanted the go-ahead from the board to pursue an alternative discipline program.

“To me, it seems like they (students) have a one up on us,” she said. With the recommended program, Cox said the school can gain the upper hand on discipline.

She said the program would give teachers options. Cox said she doesn’t think suspension is effective and only gives students a “free vacation.”

“They have no fear,” Cox said, because students know they’ll only be suspended for their behavior.

Cox said 90 percent of incidents are witnessed by teachers. She explained if she doesn’t see the criminal behavior, then “there’s not a lot I can do.”

Cox recommends teachers fill out a citizen’s arrest form when witnessing incidents. The forms will be turned in to Cox and a police report will be taken.

This would allow her to ticket the student and require them to appear in court with their parents. She said the program would only be for criminal incidents such as littering, assaults or activitiy which breaks a law currently enforced by the City of Chouteau.

The program would be implemented for grades sixth through 12.

Alternative Education Teacher Michelle Middleton said she’d support the program.

“I have things like that go on every single day,” Middleton said. “They have no respect.”

Middleton said the whole idea of alternative education is to keep the kids in school, so finding alternatives to suspension is important.

Cox expects parents will become more involved if they’re forced to appear in court and must pay fines for their student’s behavior.

“This would be something as a preventative technique,” explained Superintendent Lisa Horn. “Several districts do this ... and it’s made a profound difference.

“If parents are fined for what they’re doing ... it might take once or twice ... parents will start to take notice,” said Horn. “When we put that little ticket in their hand, it’s the real deal.”

The program will take a colaborative effort between the schools, city and judicial system.

The board told Cox they’d support her in her efforts and gave her permission to research it further.

“It’s not a cure-all, but it’s tougher than suspension,” Cox said.

     

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