CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – In a recent presentation to community leaders, CMCSS Chief of Staff Angela Huff said one problem area facing the school district is escalating student behavior problems.
“We did see a definite increase in misbehavior of our students last school year for expulsions, and those students have been zero-toleranced out of our schools for a year,” she said, referring to students who were expelled for violation of rules under zero-tolerance policies. “We saw last year 276 students get zero-toleranced,” she said, noting that so far this year there have been 46 students expelled under zero tolerance.
The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System had an enrollment of over 36,000 students last year, so that represents roughly .07% of the student body.
CMCSS spokesperson Anthony Johnson said that last year 90% of zero-tolerance expulsions were for drugs, 8% for assault of an employee, and 2% for weapons on school property. This year, 70% of student expulsions were for drugs, 21% for assault on an employee, and 9% for threats.
Johnson said when the district examined the breakdown of drug-related expulsions, they saw an increase in vaping on school grounds, and an increase in THC vaping.
The school district began installing Halo sensors, which can detect vaping, near the end of the 2021-22 school year. Johnson said over 100 Halo sensors have been installed.
“Last April, CMCSS only had around 20 installed. Halo sensors monitor carbon dioxide, particulate concentrations, humidity, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen dioxide in the air,” he said. “This multi-sensor is capable of vape detection, smoke detection, THC detection and sound abnormalities, such as shouting, in areas a camera cannot be placed.”
The Alternative School option
Last year, there were 373 remandments, which is a referral to the Alternative School. So far this year, there have been 64 such remandments.
Johnson explained remandment this way: “As a means of furthering its program of assisting students who may require a more structured academic environment, CMCSS provides an alternative school setting.”
Students could be remanded for behavior such as activating a false fire alarm, alcohol, any item sold or dispensed under the pretense of a controlled substance, arson, bomb threats, bullying-related acts (including cyber-bullying), harassment, intimidation and hazing just to name a few.
“When students do have to go to the CMCSS Alternative School,” Johnson said, “the mission at the school is to help every student achieve their highest behavioral and academic potential through a consistent, safe and structured environment. “While students are attending the Alternative School, faculty, staff and administrators provide social, emotional and academic supports and special programs to empower students to make better choices.”
See something, say something
“Whether it is on social media or in the schoolhouse, if you see or hear something, say something. Not reporting concerns to officials and sharing concerns with friends or on social media does not help us investigate and further spreads rumors.
“Additionally, it is important that families read the Student Code of Conduct, reinforce positive behaviors with students, and explain the consequences, including potential criminal charges, for offenses,” Johnson said. “We continue to reiterate in messages to families and the community that the district has created the School Safety Hub as a resource for families.”