Danville Public Schools is among the harshest school districts in the state for short-term and long-term suspensions, according to a new study. However, school leaders say new policies are keeping more students out of suspension — and back in the classroom.
“Danville Public Schools has struggled with disciplinary actions for many years, but we now have a new approach that puts the school principal at the forefront of dealing with discipline,” said Danville School Board Chair Ed Polhamus.
From 2010-15, Danville is among the 15 highest-percentage districts for short-term and long-term discipline suspensions, according to a study released this month by the JustChildren Program of the Legal Aid Justice Center.
The study argues that school districts across Virginia are over-disciplining students, and disproportionately against African-American, disabled and younger students.
“Suspension hurts everyone,” Angela Ciolfi, JustChildren’s Legal Director and co-author of the report said in a news release. “Suspended students are at a significantly greater risk of academic failure, dropping out, and becoming involved in the justice system.”
According to the data, 4.6 percent of Danville students were placed on long-term suspension from 2010-15. The data puts Danville slightly below localities like Hampton City (5.9 percent) — but well under Richmond schools (19.2 percent).
This school year — partly in response to a letter to the editor from a George Washington High School student in November — Danville implemented several changes to its discipline system. Principals now hear long-term suspension appeals, rather than the school board.
“A huge advantage of having the principal involved is that he or she can require the parent to come to school and have a good face-to-face meeting, where the goal is to figure out why a child is having trouble with their behavior,” Polhamus said.
Discipline data from 2015-16 also points to the success of the program. A March report to the school board said long-term suspensions were down 19 percent compared to 2014-15, and expulsions were down 30 percent.
Additionally, the school district added staff and security officers to George Washington High School and continued to implement the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports de-escalation program for faculty.
Metcalfe reports for the Danville Register & Bee.
