Number of DPS suspensions decreases again

March 4, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 CONTACT: Dr. Debbie Pitman, Assistant Superintendent Student Services, 560-2554

Number of DPS suspensions decreases again; Durham Public Schools strengthens safety measures

 
DURHAM—A more focused effort around providing extra attention to students who need it, along with providing alternatives for discipline have resulted in a 4 percent decrease in short-term suspensions and an 18.8 percent decrease in long-term suspensions in Durham Public Schools.

In the meantime, for grades K-12 overall, DPS reports a decrease from 388 to 341 in crime and violence acts between 2007-08 and 2008-09.  There was an increase in the incidents of controlled substances and alcohol but a decrease in acts of crime and violent offenses and possession of weapons.

Durham Public Schools reports an increase in crime and violence acts or offenses for students in grades 9-12 in the last year.  DPS officials believe that this is the result of diligent detection and student and staff involvement in school safety efforts.

The total number of suspensions for 10 days or less, or short term, in Durham Public Schools during the 2008-09 school year was 6,533, down 4 percent from the previous year’s total of 6,809.  Long-term suspensions fell sharply, from 85 in 2007-08 to 69 in 2008-09, an 18.8 percent decrease, according to a report released by the state Department of Public Instruction.

Statewide, short-term suspensions decreased by 4.7 percent, while long-term suspensions decreased by 31.3 percent.

Durham Public Schools attributes the improvement to a continued focus on improving behaviors so that students do not get suspended, and on reducing the number of suspensions for those who do get suspended.  This involves working closely with principals and teachers to ensure that they have a thorough understanding of discipline policies and what alternatives are available to them to decrease the numbers of suspensions.  

Principals also have set goals for their own schools and are using data to pinpoint students who need additional attention.  Suspension data available on Scorecards has strengthened their work.

Durham Public Schools reported a total of 241 crime and violence acts or offenses among students in grades 9-12 in 2008-09, up from 216 in 2007-08.  The total number of acts or offenses per 1,000 students was 25.07 for the school year, up from 22.73.  These numbers compare with Winston-Salem/Forsyth (24.35), Buncombe (20.19), Asheville City (21.56) and Moore County (29.79).

The detection of illegal substances and firearms on our campuses is crucial to our safety and security efforts.  DPS will continue to be vigilant in all areas of detection through partnerships with local law enforcement and relationships formed through our school resource officer effort and GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) programs.

DPS has implemented programs and initiatives to address behavioral issues.  The district has continued to implement the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) program. This program involves a team focus on schoolwide discipline that includes gathering and analyzing data and developing plans to address the students’ needs.

There has been a sharpened focus on students building stronger relationships with DPS teachers, staff members and school resource officers.  This is a goal of every school’s safety plan, and these relationships are critical in detection and reporting of incidents of crime and violence.

DPS also continues to use metal detectors and encourage students and staff to report incidents or suspicions.

“The number of students being suspended from school has been on a fairly steady decline for several years, and we are very pleased to know that our strategies are working,” said Interim Superintendent Hank Hurd. “By the same token, DPS will continue to work closely with law enforcement officials in the detection of contraband and reporting of crime and violence incidents. These efforts are working to create safer schools in which students can learn.”