Davenport schools crack down on wild kids

The Davenport school system is putting more teeth into its discipline policy. Students who have been suspended for a third time now will have to appear, with their parents, before a review team that will choose an appropriate punishment, including expulsion. The policy already dealt with things like weapons, gang activities and fights, and it’s being expanded. It will now also focus on students who have or use drugs on school grounds, verbally assault, or verbally or physically bully others. Offenders will be referred to an advisory council, which can recommend alternative placement or expulsion. Superintendent Jim Blanch says the beefed-up policy shows safe schools remain a top priority.