Former district assistant urges stronger hallway discipline, says PBIS not working in middle schools

Jeff Eshelman, a Colmar resident and former assistant in the district, told the board on July 17 that he was "conflicted" about speaking but felt compelled to share observations from his recent employment. "The disorderliness I saw in the hallways was severe enough that I was concerned for the safety of students who were just trying to get to class," Eshelman said.

Eshelman described students gathering in "mobs" between classes, pushing and shoving, use of inappropriate language and inconsistent consequences for tardiness or disrespect toward teachers. He said the behavior sometimes carried into classrooms and "hinders learning."

Eshelman said he did not have a single solution but suggested the district consider assemblies to teach comportment and urged administrators to examine the work of climate coordinators. "I know about PBIS, but I will tell you in the middle of schools from my perspective, PBIS is not working," he said.

Dr. Bauer, superintendent, acknowledged the concern and noted district staff, including security, had observed similar behavior in other buildings. Board members asked administration to explore options and to bring items for discussion to relevant committees; no formal board action was taken during the meeting on discipline policy.

Ending: The board heard the complaint, asked staff to examine possible responses and indicated the topic could come back to committee for consideration.