Last modified: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:50 AM EST Durkin: Schools' discipline policy needs changes BY RICK FOSTER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - Superintendent Pia Durkin says she is recommending a number of changes in school discipline policy, including a major review of the discipline code. She said the initiative also would encourage more communication between teachers and administrators concerning penalties, and appropriate "intervention" for offenses but would reserve the most intense sanctions for the worst offenses. The announcement Tuesday follows a number of suggestions and requests from staff members at the high school to make discipline more consistent, Durkin said. She also is suggesting the formation of an in-school suspension program that would be harsh enough to be considered punishment, but still allow students to remain in school and learning. The proposal, which would probably involve a major revision of disciplinary rules at the high school, also follows a major incident Saturday at which four AHS students and a former student were charged with breaking into the high school. Closed circuit TV cameras detected the intruders, who were arrested before any damage occurred to the building. "It's indeed unfortunate," said Durkin, who added some students expressed feelings of betrayal because of the invasion by members of their own student body. "The consequences of these students actions will be with them and their families for a long time," she said. All four of the current students have been suspended from class, Principal Don Frederick said. Durkin said legal action against the intruders is in the hands of the police. Durkin said she envisions a number of possible changes in the discipline policy, with the accent on clarity of rules and sanctions and consistent application of penalties. She said she has suggested that administrators and staff members meet regularly in small groups to discuss policies and that teachers get regular feedback from administrators concerning disciplinary decisions. The superintendent also said current discipline rules may be unnecessarily complex and that various offenses could be grouped according to seriousness, with appropriate penalties spelled out. Durkin said that while the worst penalties would be appropriate for offenses such as assaults, weapons possession or drug violations, other infractions like tardiness could be handled differently. The key to improving discipline policy, Durkin said, is involving staff members at all levels. "This is not going to work by issuing a mandate from above," she said. "Everybody has to take ownership." Changes in the discipline code likely would occur this spring, when revisions are normally submitted to the school committee.