Show A Schools deal with J ft v major problems Frank Penman Staff Writer school adminIstrators administrators administrators ad ad- While in Kamas are still dealing with the problems of students who need haircuts the administrators in inthe inthe inthe the Jordan School District are dealing with overcrowding gangs and students who carry weapons to class There are about 2000 more students in the Jordan District this year said Laura Black of the Jordan Education Education Education tion Association Because there are too many kids in school even crossing the hall is a problem Middle schools that are at capacity now have a class size of at least 30 students The state recommends a class size of 26 or 27 Black said Public Rela Relations Specialist Patty Dahl said there is a million bond issue that will be used to build six new schools and repair 33 existing schools Changes in school boundaries boundaries boundaries boun boun- daries also will be made to shift students to less crowded schools Year round school may also be an option If you dont don't have a class to put students in you cant can't reduce class size size but but the bond itself will win not reduce class size Dahl Da l said The bond being called brick and mortar is aimed at improving existing and building building building build build- ing more schools Although not directly related related related re re- re- re to the school over crowd overcrowding overcrowding ing gangs and students with weapons are becoming a lem These problems are on the up-rise up said Detective Rick Lawrence West Jordan Police Department Poss Possession of a weapon while in school is unlawful and andis is enforced as a misdemeanor The punishment can be two to half five-and-a-half days suspension and possible le detention at the juvenile detention facilities I wish there were stiffer penalties and they had an enhancement enhancement enhancement en en- mandatory sentencing sentencing sentencing sen sen- for weapons Lawrence said If the student is isa isa isa a member the gang gang en penalty may apply In the five cases of assault on school property this year every yo youth th inv involved was arrested The West Jordan Fire Department Department Department Depart Depart- ment also visits every school in at least once a year They teach fire safety especially especial especial- ly at the elementary level because because be- be cause if you teach them when th they y are young they will know what to do |