School Safety
Markling is running for the Lakewood School Board on a platform of academic excellence, school safety, and leadership. I would like to focus on school safety.
Two of my sons attend Lakewood High School, having attending Horace Mann Middle School. My youngest son presently attends Garfield Middle School. The Lakewood Alumni Foundation office that I work in is located in the high school. My sons and I feel safe. My husband, Joel, and I feel safe sending our boys to school every day. Joel had the privilege of serving alongside Markling on both the High School and Middle School Student Conduct and School Climate Committees. If we are honest with each other we will all agree that no school can guarantee student safety; however, the Lakewood City Schools can take steps to improve school safety. Both Student Conduct and School Climate Committees recommended steps to improve student safety.
As a school board member, Markling will work to ensure that all school safety recommendations of both Student Conduct and School Climate Committees continue to be implemented fully including, but not limited to (1) Total Enforcement of the Student Code of Conduct – including the current dress code and ID Cards and (2) Alternative Education for Students Suspended or Expelled.
Total Enforcement of the Student Code of Conduct
As to Total Enforcement of the Student Code of Conduct, the Lakewood City Schools already prohibit, and impose consequences for student misconduct arising on and off of school grounds including, but not limited to: Disruption of School, Assault/Harassment, Dangerous Weapons or Instruments, Defiance of Authority, Gangs, Internet, Hazing, Bullying and Other Forms of Aggression.
Some may argue that rules do not prohibit misconduct but simply impose consequences after the fact. Markling disagrees. The simple act of notifying students and parents that misconduct will not be tolerated in our learned halls acts as a substantial deterrent. It also sets the expected tone of civility. It is unfortunate, but there always will be individuals who choose to disregard the rules. Fortunately, working toward Total Enforcement of the Student Code of Conduct will work to discourage such misconduct.
An important aspect of both the student dress code and identification card requirements is the preservation of safe school environment. School security experts have stated that “oversize, saggy or baggy clothing” must be prohibited because such clothing can easily conceal weapons. School security experts also indicate that identification cards must be “visible at all times” so that only students of the Lakewood City Schools are allowed in our schools and all our students can be identified should a crisis arise. While Markling has no doubt that the Lakewood City Schools is vigorous in attempting to prohibit student misconduct “every period, every day” – video surveillance has even been installed - we must remain vigilant as the security of our children is at stake. As a school board member, Markling will support the legal disciplinary decisions of the Administration.
Markling will also encourage students and parents to take responsibility for their own actions. We must also be mindful that the Lakewood City Schools simply cannot be “every place, every time,” so both students and parents need to also take responsibility for reporting instances of misconduct to the Lakewood Police Department (911 or 1.216.521.6773) and/or Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services (1.216.696.KIDS). Students and parents should also take advantage of making reports to the Lakewood City Schools Security Hotline (1.216.227.5311). All calls can be made anonymously. It cannot be overstated that students and parents need to take responsibility for knowing their rights and responsibilities. The contents of the Student Handbook, Lakewood City School Discipline Code, and School Board Policy can be found on the school district’s website.
Alternative Education for Students Suspended or Expelled
As to Alternative Education for Students Suspended or Expelled, the Lakewood City Schools established the Lakewood City Academy to meet this goal. The Lakewood City Academy is a premier program that puts students, who would otherwise be removed from the educational setting for disciplinary reasons, back in the classroom through an alternative setting. Ideally, all students should be in the classroom as opposed to roaming Lakewood. The Lakewood City Academy works toward that ideal. As a school board member, Markling will continue to support the Lakewood City Academy and its mission. To learn more about Markling, please visit our website at www.marklingforlakewood.com.
Vote Markling for School Board on November 6, 2007!
