Higley Unified School District will install security cameras at both district high schools following a series of incidents at Williams Field High School on Friday, the district’s superintendent said Tuesday.
Superintendent Denise Birdwell sent a letter out to parents via the district’s Web site addressing the pranks that took place on campus, including a food fight, a water balloon fight and damage to a building’s sprinkler head.
“We plan to install security cameras on both high school campuses. We will be reviewing discipline policies and procedures with teachers and administrators. We will provide training to all staff in the area of discipline. Our goal will be to have fair and consistent processes in place for next year,” the letter states.
The decision stems from three separate events that Friday. A food fight took place during first-period lunch. Students also threw water balloons and shaving cream in the school courtyard. And a sprinkler head was damaged on the second floor of the campus’ only two-story building, forcing classroom evacuation and causing drywall, ceiling and floor damage, Tony Malaj, executive director of educational support services and community partnerships, told the Tribune.
As of Tuesday, the district was still working with its insurance company to assess the damage. Repairs will take place after students leave for summer. Today is the last day of classes. Graduation will be held tonight.
The district will seek criminal charges against students who damaged the sprinkler head, Malaj told the Tribune. He did not disclose other consequences those students would face, though a letter sent to parents the day of the incident said seniors involved may not be able to take part in graduation ceremonies.
The letter from Birdwell on Tuesday evening also noted that the district will seek to recover monetary damages.
“Let me assure you that the individuals who are responsible for the vandalism will be dealt with through the Gilbert Police Department,” the letter states.
Regarding the “less offensive behaviors,” such as the silly string, water balloons and shaving cream, the letter states, “A few students have taken ownership for their actions and will be serving their appropriate consequences. We are handling these issues on an individual case by case process.”
Rich posted at 1:32 pm on Wed, May 26, 2010.
"A food fight took place during first-period lunch. Students also threw water balloons and shaving cream in the school courtyard."
Call the cops! Small wonder the state is 50th out of 50, they don't understand kids. It is well known that continually watching children will make then learn algebra faster. Of course the cost of the cameras may mean they'll have to fire the algebra teacher. Aren't you glad you gave them this option by voting fro Prop 100?
CoiledStrike posted at 9:32 pm on Wed, May 26, 2010.
Great job!
CoiledStrike posted at 9:36 pm on Wed, May 26, 2010.
[beam]
soricobob posted at 5:51 am on Thu, May 27, 2010.
The ol' close the barn door after the horses run out trick. I hope they also put the cameras in the busses and in the middle schools, and insure the cameras against vandalism! I'm afraid we are looking at a REACTIVE district, not a PROACTIVE one.
stan000 posted at 10:00 am on Thu, May 27, 2010.
A little late sure but better late than never. I f the cameras help sort the innocent from the guilty they will do enough good to justify themselves as far as I'm concerned.
This wasn't just some rowdy kids, there was some expensive vandalism that is going to have to be repaired. Next time it happens it would be nice if the guilty could be quickly identified and dealt with.