The decision to expel a student, or even suspend one, is a tough call for principals and superintendents. Selph, who attended Hunton's meeting, said he had to expel three students for their behavior last school year. He likes the idea of a countywide school but said funding could be a problem. Some of the smaller districts may have only a handful of students who need the extra attention provided in an alternative setting, as is the case in West Fork and Elkins. Those two districts contract on a per-pupil basis with Fayetteville High School West Campus to provide alternative programs.
Kids have to have access to alternative environments.
Allen said students who don't connect in the classroom often are lured into today's workplace because low unemployment means good paying jobs for unskilled labor. Students can feel good about working when salaries for low-end jobs are so high, he said. Uptown School was thought to be a forward-thinking school and drew a lot of attention for taking education out of the mainstream. Like the alternative programs that have followed, Uptown School offered students stability and a chance to succeed, Agee said. Many didn't have stability in their lives.