Question 8 for School Board Candidates: How Should Schools Investigate Off Campus Behaviour?

How much latitude should the school district be given to investigate the behavior of students when it occurs away school or related activities?

David Zimmer

One of the strengths of our community is the level of engagement our parents have in the lives of their children. Recognizing the influence parents have over their children, we should take advantage of this in solving behavioral issues in our district. I believe that all matters regarding potential unacceptable behaviors should include parents at the lowest level of intervention possible.

If the parent is unable to adequately address the concern, then escalation to school administration that has access to specialists who can help address the concern is appropriate. Where the matter first comes to the attention of administration, I believe that that first level of intervention should be with the parents of the students.

Over the years, I have found that through a partnership with our parents, our educators, our support staff and our administrators, we all work together to address behaviors of our young people in a constructive manner. In every case I have become aware of, when each of these parties works together as partners to help keep our young people on the right track in a supportive and constructive way, we have success. We are fortunate to have this partnership as a community. 

David Friese

All students and parents/guardians agree to follow rules of behavior specified in a student code of conduct. Participants in extracurricular offerings and their parents/guardians further obligate themselves to additional rules related to that activity. Behavioral misconduct that occurs at school related events definitely falls under the auspices of district oversight. If off-campus behavior becomes common knowledge in violation of extracurricular rules and regulations the district has an obligation to look into the matter. Civil infractions fall under the providence of civil authorities and not the school district unless directly related to a violation of the student code of conduct.

David Holden

If the behavior occurs on school property or at a school related event the school has every right to investigate. If the behavior occurs and is not connected to the schools we enter the gray area. When the school becomes aware of behavior outside of the school environment then the parent needs to be notified immediately. The historical relationship between school, parents, and law enforcement in Saline has overall been good and cooperative. We need to maintain that balance keeping in mind that parental rights and responsibilities come first when behavior occurs away from school.

Patti Tanner

We need to keep kid safe in and out of school. Whether students are involved in questionable cyber activities, bullying at bus stops or drinking off campus; the district needs to get involved and be aware that these actions can have repercussions at school.