Safety and Security on School Premises

By Susan L. Pricco

WCCUSD has its own Police Department, but is unsupported by Administration therefore it cannot efficiently execute the duties for which it is charged. However, before we get to police matters, a policy of respect toward teachers and staff must be implemented and supported by Administration.

However, before discussing police matters, we must look at issues of respect and discipline on school campuses. We see more instances of inappropriate conduct at the high school level. In the elementary grades, children have a greater desire to please and parental involvement is at its most active. As students get older, parental involvement in school wanes and students more often exhibit poor behavior or disruptive conduct. Teachers have a right to demand respect and discipline. They have the right to remove students who disrupt their environment of learning. Well mannered students also deserve the right to an orderly classroom. Teachers must be supported by the Administration so that they can do their jobs more effectively. No teacher should be forced to put up with unruly or disrespectful students. Foul language or misbehavior shouldn't deter learning. School must be a place where students, teachers, staff and guests feel welcome, safe, secure and learning is honored.