Norfolk alternative school is unsafe, teachers assert

NORFOLK

In the past few months, students at the city's main alternative school have brought a Taser into the building, thrown a fire extinguisher at a teacher and held staff members at bay with broken glass.

These incidents are among the most serious alleged in a 185-page document circulated last week to City Council members and others by "concerned teachers, staff and students" at Madison Career Center.

The bound booklet details concerns about safety - including students routinely roaming the building, using threatening and profane language and throwing desks and chairs - and problems communicating from classroom to classroom about disruptions and potential threats.

The complaints come as the U.S. Department of Education continues to investigate allegations of civil rights violations from a former Madison principal. Earlier this year, school officials canceled classes at Madison so teachers could discuss their concerns in a day long retreat.

Superintendent Stephen C. Jones said he was aware of the teachers' complaints before receiving a copy of their document on Thursday.

This year, administrators have tried to beef up security, strengthen instruction and ensure that students with the most severe behavioral problems are placed in appropriate programs elsewhere.

However, Jones said he saw the report as "a vote of no confidence" in John Hatcher, who has served as the school's site coordinator/principal for less than a year.

The superintendent said he plans to make major changes before the fall. "What we have is not working and we need to make adjustments," Jones said.

Hatcher declined to comment.

Madison educates middle and high school students with the most serious behavior problems, including some in probation or parole programs. Students under 18 who are pursuing GEDs in a special program also attend.

In the report distributed last week, teachers contributed e-mails, observations and summations to support their contention that Madison's teaching and learning environment is "below standard in every regard." It includes a petition signed by 30 people.

Illustrated with dozens of photographs depicting damage they say was caused by students, the booklet contains detailed accounts of incidents where teachers were allegedly threatened or assaulted.

It ends with a plea for help. "It feels as though our concerns have fallen on deaf ears," they wrote. "Day after day we come to work in a constant state of fear; fear of administrative harassment and retaliation; fear that our students are suffering because of the lack of resources in our building; and fear for our safety, that help will not come when needed."

Class time, wrote the authors, "is routinely disrupted and delayed" by rowdy students. "The inadequacies of our security force and the administration's refusal to follow the disciplinary guidelines have turned classrooms into combat zones."

"In most instances," the authors wrote, "the offending students are sent back to the classroom within the hour. This lax policy towards discipline has sent the message to students that there aren't any consequences for adverse behavior."

Employee Ron McCubbins described being "pushed and hit in the back and punched on the back of my head repeatedly." After he called out for help, the students fled. Seconds later, he said, they tossed a 16-pound fire extinguisher in his direction.

City Councilman Paul R. Riddick said Monday he already had heard about similar issues at Madison but was concerned by the newest development. He said he planned to bring up the subject at today's council meeting. "Our school administration turns a blind eye to problems that exist in the community and their schools," Riddick said. "They're so busy trying to be a world class school system, they can't see the forest for the trees."

Harry Minium, (757) 446-2371, harry.minium@pilotonline.com

Amy Jeter, (757) 446-2730, amy.jeter@pilotonline.com