Dist. 211 tightens rules to fight gangs

Palatine-Schaumburg High School 211 officials say they want to keep gang-bangers from attending sporting and other school-sanctioned events and endangering other students.

That's why board members are considering adding a section to the student policy handbook that more clearly spells out criteria for social probation and suspension. Board members were presented with the changes at Thursday's meeting for initial review.

"It's just a message to students to tell them don't bring it to school," Superintendent Roger Thornton said. "And that's a strong message to send."

While Thornton said there wasn't a specific gang instance that motivated officials to bring the matter to the school board, principals at District 211's five schools wanted the policy clarified to restrict a student's presence to school-sponsored events if school officials deemed that student's presence could pose a danger to other students and school staff.

Thornton said the current policy already prohibits access, but officials felt the need to stress the point. Administrators could enforce social probations and suspensions for up to 12 months.

Under social probation, a student would be able to participate in school activities, but they'd also be given a warning that future policy violations would lead to social suspension. Social suspension restricts all participation in school activities.

The current policy punishes student gang members with suspensions between five to 10 days, with a parent conference to be held after a first-time violation. Subsequent violations, like engaging in gang recruitment, could result in expulsion.

Board member Debra Strauss praised the changes, which still need to be voted on by the board.

"I know it's needed," she said.