The North Little Rock School District has issued a statement to reassure everyone following the reported rape of a female student by a male West Campus high school student this week while they were alone in an office. Deundre Womack, 17, has been charged with the attack. It’s a tough situation for the district. Realistically, it’s impossible to guarantee students will never be outside the presence of adults. Questions remain to be answered about the juvenile and disciplinary record of the suspect and whether he was a good candidate for a general school setting.
The statement, distributed by Shara Brazear:
The North Little Rock School District is deeply concerned about the incident that occurred at North Little Rock High School West Campus on Wednesday involving two West Campus students. Counseling services have been available to students and staff on site this week. Students, parents, staff and the community can be assured the safety and security of our children is most important to all of us. To ensure we are providing the most safe and secure environment at the West Campus, we have investigated the incident and are evaluating the procedures to determine ways to improve security. Steve Canady, the District’s Safe Schools Coordinator, is working with Brian Brown, NLR High School West Campus principal, and the West Campus staff in reviewing the current crisis response. The review will include meeting with students, staff, and parents immediately to address concerns and solutions as well as North Little Rock Police Department School Resource Officers and the North Little Rock Police Department. Any parent, student or staff member interested in participating in the review should contact Brian Brown, principal at NLRHS West Campus, at brownb@nlrsd.org. Additional policies, training, procedures or other recommendations will have the support of the Superintendent of Schools and the North Little Rock Board of Education. A report will be presented to the Superintendent of Schools and the North Little Rock Board of Education prior to the October 20, 2011 school board meeting.
