ZeroIntelligence.net

Some grads kept from ceremony

Most principals in Albuquerque’s public high schools dole out the same punishment for seniors caught violating school rules - they are banned from walking in commencement ceremonies.

Various schools have banned students from graduation ceremonies for drinking alcohol or for graffiti. In one case the principal is allowing the students to redeem themselves by performing community service.

At La Cueva High School, five seniors must complete community service for their misdeeds and they can join their classmates in line for diplomas.

The students were caught with alcohol in their car on campus and were assigned community service as punishment, said Tom Garrity, chief of staff for Superintendent Beth Everitt.

This was possible because individual school administrations can discipline according to their interpretation of district policy as it applies to the individual situation. The school board doesn’t like this.

Several board members asked if principals could agree on consequences so that district policy is enforced consistently.

“The lack of consistency is going to get us,” said Paula Maes, chairwoman of the board’s Policy Committee.

The principals want to keep their discretionary powers.

However, principals want discretion to determine consequences for students who break the rules, said Toby Herrera, director of the Albuquerque Public Schools Service Center.

Herrera said Tuesday he mailed letters Monday to West Mesa students’ families informing them that he has upheld Principal Milton Baca’s decision.
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Baca said he agrees with other principals that they need the discretion when handing out punishment.

Here’s hoping that the principals can hold out against the board. I might not agree that keeping students from their graduation ceremonies is an appropriate punishment but I’m definitely in favor of them having the discretion to use (or not use) it as they feel appropriate.