The school board backed him up by seeking an injunction to permanently bar the student from their school district. We may not be able to keep it out, but at least we have to try. Preventative efforts are of the utmost importance in preventing the escalation of gang membership. Evening recreation facilities designed for all the youngsters in a community can have a significant impact on the spread of gangs. Experts who study gangs report that deterrent programs in the early elementary grades can also have a significant influence on youngsters.
Schools can also benefit from timely dialogues with the police department.
What happens over the weekend, we handle on Monday mornings. Police personnel can also meet with school personnel to exchange information about juveniles and offer training about how to deal with armed or violent students. Based on my personal observations I know that we do have a few youngsters in Sweetwater who belong to gangs. I don't feel large numbers belong to gangs, but economic conditions are conducive for increased gang activity. Our school system has taken important steps to prevent that increase, but the schools can not defeat gangs alone.