Opening question for discussion followed by presentation of 3 community approaches.

Opening question: How serious is the issue of school safety in your local schools, and do you consider it a crisis, or a problem?

Community A is teaching students to resolve conflicts peacefully and providing social services to those in need. Children need to be taught that it's possible to resolve conflict without resorting to violence. And for those children who are troubled and need extra help, the schools should be providing first-rate guidance services to detect and counsel such children and their families.

Community B is setting behavioral standards with clear consequences and holding student and their parents accountable. A zero-tolerance policy should be employed that removes violent kids or those caught with weapons or drugs. Parents and the community can help by supporting the school's policy. In addition, parents should be held accountable for the behavior of their children.

Community C is enhancing school security, and reinforcing this in the community. Having a zero-tolerance policy, teaching conflict resolution and offering social services distract educators from their central mission. Educators should focus on teaching, not policing. Violent students are committing crimes that the police or private security forces are equipped and trained to handle. Metal detectors and security professionals will best deter and control school safety and permit educators to focus on their jobs.