Hank Silverberg, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – One year ago, 15-year-old sophomore Nick Stuban killed himself while going through disciplinary proceedings at Woodson High School in Fairfax County.
The tragedy highlighted a complex disciplinary policy that has since been sharply criticized by parents. Nick’s father, Steven Stuban, says he was never told his son was in trouble until after he was expelled.
Now, there is a move to change disciplinary proceedings statewide and to intervene earlier with kids.
Virginia’s General Assembly will consider a series of bills that require parental notification before any administrative disciplinary action is taken against a student and before a student is questioned about any serious violation of school policy or the police are called in.
Stuban says parents should be involved from the beginning of any disciplinary action.
“It shouldn’t be purely punitive in nature, but how do we help the kids get back on the right track if they do in fact commit that offense,” says Stuban.
“Education involves a partnership between students and parents and we need to have parents involved in every aspects of a student’s education.”
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