Hundreds of Washington High students, parents demand changes
At a community meeting at the Bustleton school, many said that the school is out of control and that students dont feel safe.
HUNDREDS of students, parents, teachers and alumni attended a meeting at George Washington High School last night, many demanding answers - and changes - in light of what they say is a chaotic environment at the school.
Enrollment has risen by 300 students this year to 1,800 at Washington, on Bustleton Avenue near Verree Road in Bustleton. There have been several fights, including one on Friday in which a student punched through a window, leaving blood on the floor. Video of the incident posted on social media went viral.
During another videotaped altercation a few weeks earlier, teacher and coach Mike McKinney allegedly assaulted a student while trying to defend another teacher. McKinney has been removed from the school pending further review.
Many of the speakers last night said students do not feel safe, and confronted principal Gene Jones for not addressing the violence or the disruptions caused by students repeatedly pulling the fire alarm or hanging out in the hallways.
Several also called for him to reinstate McKinney, whom they praised as a dedicated educator.
"You have to take responsibility for what's happening here," parent Yuri Zalzman told Jones, who sat in the front of the auditorium flanked by Assistant Superintendent Dion Betts.
"You're a disgrace to your profession. Run the school or get out."
Jude Hussein, a senior who is school and class president, spoke of a rift between Jones and teachers. She urged him to take a more collaborative approach to resolve the issues.
"If you do not support your staff who teach your students, there is an issue there," she said, adding that students also need to feel supported.
Some defended Jones, arguing that the problems existed before he arrived two years ago or that parents need to take responsibility for their children.
"It starts at home," one parent said. "It wouldn't be all of this [trouble] if parents would do something with their child."
A number of speakers called for more school police and truancy officers. Others suggested stricter penalties for students who break the rules.
In response, Jones said he accepts responsibility for the conditions and assured parents that he has heard their concerns. He would not go into detail, but said he is working with police to develop a deployment plan, and he encouraged parents and students to stay involved.
"Let's move forward as a team," he told the crowd. "Let's move forward as a community."
After the meeting, Jones said the school has gotten permission to hire a climate manager and four more noontime aides.
Patience Calderon, whose son is a senior at Washington, said Jones did not address the community's concerns. When asked if she thought Jones could help turn things around, she said, "If enough people step in, I do."
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