There wasn't a big turnout Tuesday night in Lafayette High School for a meeting on city schools' new code of conduct. The district has been phasing in its new system, relying more on in-school suspension and support of students who misbehave.
It's a big issue in Lafayette. Two years ago, student Jawaan Daniels was murdered at the bus stop by a stray bullet after he was suspended and sent home. The district is now trying to end out-of-school suspension.
Among those on hand Tuesday night was Keith Jones, a parent volunteer in School 53.
"I'll step in and talk to them. I've got to let them know. I don't work for the Board of Education," Jones said. "I just show them love but also show them a strong hand."
Jones says he is recruiting more fathers to be in the school to make sure kids behave.
Recalling her years as a teacher, Superintendent Pamela Brown says students learn if everyone behaves.
"There are limits to behavior. There are rules that must be followed," Brown said. "But at the end of the day, we are there to support them and to help them develop the kind of behavior that is important to their own success."
