Several schools of the 8^th largest school district in the nation were labeled as persistently dangerous.  The Chief of school police and high level administrators wanted a new approach that got community members and parents directly involved.

Approach:

• Worked with non-profits and community groups to recruit mothers and fathers to work as safety support personnel.
• Highly trained teams of safety support personnel were created.
• Safety support personnel worked with teachers, administrators and school police to accomplish the school district’s mission.
• Safety support personnel supported students and parents through effective conciliation.

Result:

• 10% decrease in the number of violent and weapons incidents in 90 days.
• Serious incidents were decreased by 75% overall
• Suspension rates decreased from 10 times per week to 3 times per week.
• Jobs were created for parents and community members.
• Parents, students, teachers, and administrators worked together.