Advocates Question DPS Discipline Policy

CBS4 NewsJune 27, 2008Some community leaders are concerned about the Denver Public Schools new proposed policies regarding student discipline. The school board met Thursday night to review the details of the new measures.
The 25 pages of policy ensures staff training and makes strong efforts to minimize out of school suspensions, expulsions and referrals to law enforcement.
Marco Nunez of Padres y Jovenes Unidos is a parent-youth advocate and helped DPS draft the guidelines. His agency has worked with the school district for more than two and a half years.
Nunez is 99 percent behind the new policies, except for the part that requires "mandatory referral to law enforcement" for offenses that include child abuse, unlawful sexual behavior and indecent exposure.
He said the terms are too vague for teachers and principals.
"They are having to choose whether they have to report what they think in their best judgement doesn't need to be reported, doesn't rise to the level of criminal activity," said Nunez.
The Denver District Attorney's Office charged Skinner Middle School Principal Nicole Veltze in March with failure to report child abuse and neglect after there was a student on student incident.
Veltze suspended the students and called a meeting with parents, but did not call police. A judge dismissed her case.
"As principals, we look forward to more clarity around reporting guidelines," Veltze told CBS4 in a statement. "At the same time, we look for guidance on how to support kids to learn from their mistakes and turn around negative behavior."
DPS leaders said clarification may come with a phone call.
"They would be able to call the district attorney's office and consult with them and to explain the facts and circumstances that they have witnessed or that they have become aware of," said John Kechriotis, DPS legal counsel.
The policy reads that "the student must be referred to law enforcement."
The policy is still in draft form. The school board will vote August 21 on whether or not to approve it.
More public meetings for input will be held.
Additional Resources:
Read the DPS policy on the district's Web site.