Why a Dean of Students? (continued from page 1)

As a precursor to a discussion of the state of discipline in our school, please note that the statistics I will share with you are from the last school year (school year 2006-2007), as that is the last complete set of data available.  The statistics, when presented “en masse”, may seem a bit overwhelming, if not alarming.  Don’t panic!  I assure you that our schools are safe, orderly, and conducive to learning.  However, we are a reflection of our society and not immune to our share of challenges.  The good news is that we are addressing those challenges.  When you see that we have experienced some 1500 disciplinary incidents in our school, bear in mind that that averages about one incident per student, and that the largest segments of incidents are not serious in nature, but nevertheless must be addressed in a timely and effective manner. 

Here’s the summary reflecting the number of disciplinary

incidents experienced in School Year 2006-2007:

 

 

CCSD District Newsletter            April-June  2008

The Dean of Student’s primary responsibility is to assist the principal in ensuring good order and discipline within the high school.  The Dean addresses the majority of the 1350+ incidents (including tardiness) reflected on the chart; the more serious incidents demand the involvement of both the Principal and Dean see explanation below.  Although the Dean spends the majority of his time in dealing with student discipline, he/she performs other critical roles within the high school.  Here’s a breakdown of those roles and time spent:

A more comprehensive list of the Dean’s responsibilities and duties is presented on page 15.  

The Principal is directly involved in all suspensions from school and in any incidents which result in a Superintendent’s Hearing. This includes roles in the investigation, interviewing of witnesses, informal hearings, notification of parents, and associated administrative requirements.  Depending on the complexity of the incident, such actions require anywhere from hours to days to complete, at times to the exclusion of all other duties for both the principal and Dean of Students. 

The Principal spends about 20% of his/her time dealing with disciplinary issues.  The balance of time is spent addressing the Principal’s six overarching functional areas of responsibility:

1. Instructional Program

2. Faculty and Staff Supervision

3. Student Management

4. General Administration

5. Fiscal Management

6. Parent and Community Relations

Additionally, the Principal typically experiences over one hundred school-related evening and weekend commitments annually .

(Why the Dean? is continued on page 14)

Please see page 15 for a complete listing of Principals responsibilities and duties