Joliet School Fights: HS Board President Issues Statement

JOLIET, IL — Joliet Township High School Board President Frank Edmon issued a letter stating that additional measures are being taken to improve security around Joliet West and Joliet Central after both high schools have had numerous fights in the hallways this fall semester.

Joliet Township District 204 Superintendent Karla Guseman indicated last week that there have been around 70 students who had received suspensions for physical and verbal altercations so far this school year.

The Board of Education has not approved any expulsions to date, school officials said Monday.

In light of the escalating violence at Joliet West and Joliet Central, a number of teachers and staff have become concerned.

According to Edmon's letter, "a grievance was submitted by a staff member to the building principal. The district will follow the collective bargaining procedures."

As far as safety measures taken by District 204, Edmon's letter outlines the following events:

• In the spring, the Joliet high school district approved the hiring of a district director of safety and security, a new position approved by the Board of Education.
• The Board of Education approved two additional security guards earlier this school year. The district is working to fill these positions, Edmon's letter indicated.
• The Board of Education approved additional training for JTHS security staff at its Sept. 21 meeting.
• The district is hiring two additional staff members to support contact tracing. According to Edmon's letter, these positions will contribute to a safer school environment because students will be escorted to class by these staff members when addressing a COVID-related matter.

"This eliminates unsupervised students and lessens the escorting security staff will need to do for contact tracing," Edmon stated.

• District 204 is limiting passes issued during instructional time and "We will continue to conduct metal detecting and security searches upon entry to our buildings," Edmon added.

In his letter, Edmon emphasized that "the Board of Education shares the concern of JTHS administration and staff regarding the number of incidents in our schools. As we communicated previously, these actions will not be tolerated, and we will continue to follow our disciplinary policies and procedures."

Edmon also asked, "that you do not forget about the good in our schools. Unfortunately, it seems as if the negative aspects often get the most publicity, but we want to remind everyone that we have great kids and great staff who demonstrate kindness and compassion every day."