Glendale schools suspended more than 850 students
Glendale Unified students committed more than 1,395 offenses that led to more than 850 suspensions during the previous academic year, according to the latest state data.
Twelve of those incidents in the 2011-12 school year eventually led to expulsions and involved a range of illegal activity, including bringing a weapon to school and participating in drug sales, said Scott Anderle, assistant director of student support services for Glendale Unified.
The 856 suspensions that occurred in Glendale were part of the more than 366,600 that took place across California in 2011-12. In all, there were more than 9,500 expulsions statewide.
Students’ disruption and defiance was a factor in more than 600 offenses, such as arguing with a teacher or using a cellphone in class. But before administrators hand down one- to five-day suspensions, they look at the student’s past behavior to determine if the punishment is warranted, Anderle said.
In 238 incidents, students served their suspension at school, where they participate in counseling services and are closely monitored by an educator.
Glendale students threatened physical injury in more than 230 offenses in 2011-12. More than 130 offenses were tied to drugs or alcohol.
More than 70 incidents dealt with students using force or violence. In nine, students made terrorist threats. Ten offenses were attributed to bullying, according to the state data.
Another 25 offenses were the result of sexual harassment, while four involved committing sexual assault.
Overall, though, Glendale Unified reported fewer suspensions and expulsions compared to recent years. Anderle attributed the decrease to greater communication among educators, counselors and parents.
“With that improved communication, you do get that early intervention,” he said. “So everybody knows what’s going on.”
Educators also work to keep student academic goals within reach when they are suspended or expelled, Anderle added.
“A high school diploma is the most important thing you can have,” he said. “It’s not our job to make it harder for them to get one.”
Even so, he added, “Having a cohesive, disciplined and organized school benefits everybody.”
Among the high schools, Hoover High reported the most suspensions with 230. Glendale High trailed with 159, while Crescenta Valley High school logged 115.
The high school with the least suspensions was Clark Magnet, with just three.
Among the middle schools, there were 93 suspensions at Roosevelt, 63 at Toll, 51 at Rosemont and 36 at Wilson.
More than 10 elementary schools did not have any suspensions, including John Marshall, Benjamin Franklin, Mark Keppel and Glenoaks, among others.
The greatest number of suspensions at any elementary school occurred at Balboa, which reported 16, followed by Thomas Edison Elementary with eight and Mountain Avenue Elementary with five.
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Follow Kelly Corrigan on Twitter: @kellymcorrigan.
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