School Firearms Incidents Decline Significantly

Schools Continue to Make Safety a Priority

OLYMPIA, Wash., April 19 /PRNewswire/ — Firearm incidents in Washington
schools decreased 26 percent from 183 in 1997-98 to 135 in 1998-99. Since
1993, firearm incidents have decreased from 488 to 135, a 72 percent decrease.

This information was part of The Report to the Legislature on 1998-99 Weapons
in Schools issued today by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Overall, weapons-related incidents increased in 1998-99, 11.97 percent from
2,623 to 2,937.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson said school
districts “zero tolerance” policies have had an impact on reducing the number
of firearms-related incidents. “But school policies alone won’t stop
violence,” Dr. Bergeson maintained.

Bergeson added that it is important that schools have high behavioral
expectations that are clearly articulated and enforced fairly and equitably.
“In addition,” said Bergeson, “it takes the support of the community and
families to address this devastating issue.”

Knife incidents increased by 110 from 1,656 to 1,766 — a 6.6 percent
increase. Incidents involving “other” weapons (clubs, chains, pipes,
pencils, throwing stars, etc.) increased by 252, from 784 to 1,036 — a 32
percent increase.

In selected interviews with several school districts with increases and
decreases of incidents, OSPI’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools unit learned that
school district officials have continued to be more vigilant about detection,
and proactive in involving young people in a meaningful way. This may partly
account for the overall increase in weapons incidents.

Safe and Drug-Free Schools Director Denise Fitch said that school districts
have noticed that students are finding a way around the “code of silence”.
“Young people understand that school safety is to be taken seriously, and
adults are there to help,” said Fitch. “Districts have empowered students in
developing solutions such as mediation programs, accountability boards, and
student courts.”

Other key observations from the report include:

– Eighty-seven public school districts out of 296 reported no weapons-
related incidents.

– 93 percent of the schools reported no shotgun incidents; 84 percent
reported no firearm incidents; 36 percent reported no knife incidents; and 54
percent reported no “other” incidents.

– Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, Marysville, Moses Lake, Spokane,
Aberdeen, Mercer Island, and East Valley (Spokane) were among those districts
showing declines in overall weapons incidents.

– Yakima, Highline, Bellingham, Central Kitsap, Puyallup, Pasco, Kent,
Kennewick, Richland, and Lakewood were among those districts reporting
increases in overall incidents.

OSPI continues to work with schools to ensure a safe learning environment in
which students can fully develop their potential. Bergeson noted, for
instance, that 115 school districts and all nine Educational Service
Districts have received grants from OSPI for the 1999-2000 school year for
safety, security, alternative education, and prevention-intervention efforts.
These efforts are important to the full realization of our state’s education
reform efforts.

Seattle and Spokane school districts got the largest grants

1.45 million and $1.03 million, respectively. Others included: Tacoma

983,000; Lakewood — $655,000; Yakima — $500,000; and Vancouver

361,000.

On another front, OSPI is launching the “Foundations for Learning” project to
help school districts implement school-wide discipline support systems. The
systems would work with students who are disruptive to school and classroom
environments. The 1999 Legislature appropriated funding for the project,
which is open to 150 schools chosen from applications, received this spring.

The release of the school weapons report is mandated by the Legislature,
which in 1993 directed OSPI to begin compiling the data.

The 1998-99 Weapons in Schools Report is available on the OSPI Web site at
www.k12.wa.us.

To obtain copies, contact Denise Fitch, supervisor, Safe and Drug-Free
Schools, at 360-753-5595.

SOURCE Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction