From August ‘08 through February ‘09, serious offenses throughout the MCS have dropped more than 17 percent, with a 19 percent drop in the 13 high-incident high schools. This positive trend is attributed to a comprehensive array of new school safety strategies, a cornerstone of the Operation: Safe Community plan.
The district’s $10 million security initiative includes student ID badges, surveillance equipment, metal detectors and specially trained staff. The effort also features an innovative pilot program to keep students with minor offenses from entering the criminal justice system where they become at greater risk for committing future crimes. The School House Adjustment Program Enterprise (SHAPE) partners MCS, social service agencies and churches to help students get back on a positive track. The pilot is serving more than 100 students in 17 city high schools and one middle school.
For More Information Contact: Gerald Darling (901) 416-5628
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