Dale Asks Principals to Host 'Dialogues on Discipline'

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Jack Dale said says he has asked every middle and high school principal to convene a community meeting to discuss his 10 disciplinary recommendations pending before the School Board. 

Dale made the announcement to the 25 PTA representatives at the regularly scheduled Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council meeting on Tuesday. 

"We want to get as much parent and community feedback as possible," Dale said.

Barbara Hunter, assistant superintendent for community affairs, outlined the proposed meetings' objectives and timeline. The meeting format will be consistent across the county to gather feedback and suggestions on the discipline proposals, she said. Participation is voluntary and up to the discretion of each principal.

Dale initially briefed principals April 12 so some high schools — such as Herndon,  South Lakes and Chantilly — have already held their dialogue.

South Lakes' discussion was part of the PTSA meeting earlier this week, principal Bruce Butler said.

 The goal is to present community findings at the next School Board disciplinary worksession May 16, Dale said.

Dale acknowledged the short turnaround time for holding the meetings and said the School Board timeline dictated the schedule.

Hunter said they wanted to get the major discipline changes in place as soon as possible. The Students Responsibilities and Rights handbook has to be printed over the summer, which is another reason for the tight time schedule.

 School discipline issues came under scrutiny after the Jan. 20 suicide of 

At a  forum, the School Board agreed to explore the disciplinary issues and held a March 14 worksession to brainstorm possible changes to the disciplinary process. On  Dale presented 10 recommendations at a press conference, which included parent notification at the earliest opportunity after any incident that might result in suspension or expulsion; shorten the timeline between the discipline incident and decision on disciplinary action; allow principals to conduct a preliminary review of individuals found to be in possession of his or her own prescription medication.

On April 4, the School Board discussed the recommendations at a worksession attended by more than 60 parents and activists. After a three-hour discussion, the board agreed Dale should further develop the recommendations. Holding the open dialogues is the next step in the process.