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Parents tell Hoke County board fights at high school are increasing, urge tougher disciplinary steps
Summary
Two parents told the Hoke County Schools board that fights at Hoke County High School have become common and desensitized students; they urged the board to consider new policies including parent accountability, in-school counseling, and restorative approaches.
Two parents urged the Hoke County Schools Board of Education on Oct. 14 to address what they described as increasing student violence and normalization of fights at Hoke County High School.
Parent Levonti Norwood told the board that in the third month of the school year fights have become common and "normalized" among students, and said teachers and administrators "are the ones getting hurt both physically and emotionally trying to restore order." He described suspensions as ineffective for some students and urged the board to consider policies that hold parents accountable and increase supports for students.
Avanti Mullis also said her son had become desensitized to violence at school after repeated fights and expressed concern about a recent incident she believed involved his principal. Both speakers urged the board to adopt policies that address root causes, deter violence, and involve parents in accountability steps.
What they asked for: Norwood suggested a range of possible responses, including after-school detention, requiring parents to attend classes before suspended students return, mandatory in-school counseling with parents present for initial assessment, and restorative programs that teach accountability.
Board response and context: The board provided time for public comment and acknowledged the concerns. Superintendent Kenneth Smith later echoed appreciation for staff and principals and noted district leadership is attentive to school safety; no specific new disciplinary policy was adopted at the meeting. The board's role in policy was referenced by the speakers as the appropriate place to consider changes.
Why it matters: Speakers said staff safety and student learning are affected when fights are frequent and discipline does not deter repeat behavior. Any policy changes could affect student attendance, discipline procedures, parental obligations, and resource needs for counseling or restorative programs.
Ending: The board did not vote on new discipline policy at the Oct. 14 meeting; public commenters asked the board to review existing disciplinary policies and consider options that combine consequences with supports and parental accountability.
