TOWNSHEND — Two weeks before The Commons published the article, “Can law enforcement coexist with education in schools?” [Feb. 15], reporter Thelma O'Brien visited Leland & Gray and interviewed two students and me as part of her research.
This letter is to correct a mistake in the report and to share more of the students' conversation with Ms. O'Brien.
When Deputy Albry Crowley resigned from the Windham County Sheriff's Department, leaving the School Resource Officer (SRO) position vacant at Leland & Gray, the Sheriff's Department chose not to fill the position. Ms. O'Brien reports that the decision was made by Leland & Gray administration. This nuance needs clarification for our community to understand the facts.
Fall 2012 would have been the fourth year of the five-year SRO program, when participating schools are expected to fund. Like schools all over the country, Leland & Gray faces very tough budget choices. For the 2012-13 school budget, we proposed and the community approved an increase of 3.5 percent. Of this rise, 2.6 percent will fund required special education services.
Despite this increase, reductions were made in five departments. Without cutting teaching positions, only a portion of the SRO's salary could be included.
School administration budgeted for a part-time SRO position or fees for police services in year four of the SRO program. For the remainder of this current third year, the Sheriff's Department chose not to hire a replacement, though we continue our fee-for-service relationship.
In the interview, the students told Ms. O'Brien about Leland & Gray's restorative justice practices and resulting improvement in school climate overall.
With more than 30 students and staff-members trained in each of the past two years, they now help their peers prevent and resolve conflict. Schools and courts across the world have integrated restorative practices to decrease suspensions, expulsions, and criminal activity among youth.
Additionally, the Windham County Sheriff's Department strongly supports restorative justice to effectively address hurtful behavior and heal relationships. A Leland & Gray senior, Sarah Dickson, is putting the finishing touches on a professional-quality video on the restorative circle process for future trainings at Leland & Gray and the Brattleboro Community Justice Center.
Ms. O'Brien's article has contributed to the discussion on School Resource Officers in important ways for our community and beyond. Her investigation and reporting broadened awareness and deepened understanding of a complex topic.
My other concern was the inclusion of a student's remark that diminished the role of teachers in safety matters.
Having conducted research in dozens of schools as a doctoral student and Fulbright Scholar on two continents, I have never seen such caring commitment to students' health and learning as shown by the teachers of Leland & Gray. In addition, they collaborate with school administration and law enforcement to maintain a safe, drug-free environment.
We all want each and every one of our students to thrive in learning and life. Our best chance is to work together wherever possible despite the economic obstacles challenging our community.