Parents tell Pottsgrove board that elementary students face frequent aggressive behavior; call for stricter consequences and more supports

Two parents urged the Pottsgrove School District Board of School Directors at the May meeting to take immediate steps to address what they described as increasing aggressive and unsafe behavior in elementary schools, particularly Ringing Rocks and Lower Pottsgrove.

Laura McCorkle of Lower Pottsgrove said students and teachers have been “slapped, punched, and kicked,” that desks and chairs have been thrown, profanity is common in halls, and young students have been forced to evacuate classrooms. “The place they should feel the safest has become unpredictable and unsafe,” McCorkle told the board. She said teachers are in “survival mode” and called for a 0-tolerance approach to physical aggression, more consistent consequences, increased behavioral staffing, and evidence-based functional behavior assessments and intervention plans for students with special needs.

Christina Fisher of Upper Pottsgrove, a parent of three district students, echoed those concerns and said classroom evacuations are occurring frequently. Fisher said PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is a “great program” but not sufficient on its own; she urged the district to develop a different protocol for recurring aggression that includes “thorough follow through” and visible consequences so students understand that poor choices carry consequences.

Board members thanked the parents for their comments and the superintendent and board noted the remarks were received and will be noted. The board did not take a formal vote; both parents said they planned or were scheduled to meet with district staff for follow-up.

The public comments were delivered during the board’s public-comment portion of the meeting; no specific new policy or staffing allocation was announced at the meeting in response to the comments.