Whose responsibility?
When a private management firm takes over operation of a public school, who is responsible for safety on campus? That’s the question that arose recently in a Pennsylvania court, when Edison Schools Inc., contended that it was not responsible for the safety of students at one of the schools it managed in Philadelphia. Edison subsequently settled a lawsuit brought by parents of a 12-year-old boy assaulted at a middle school managed by Edison, a for-profit manager of several schools in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that before settling the case, Edison contended that the terms of its contract with the Philadelphia School District called only for it to provide educational programs and training, not security. The boy’s family asserted in the suit that Edison was responsible for his assault. (The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.)
What do you think? When a private management firm takes over operation of a public school campus, should its responsibilities include making sure that the campus is safe and secure?
Leave a comment below
July 8th, 2008 @ 7:57 am
Yes, they are responsible for the safety of their students. You can not teach effectively until students feel safe. I assume that by “providing educational programs” they mean effective teaching. I do have an issue with the family saying that “Edison was responsible for his assault” because the person who did the assault is truly responsible. Edison may be responsible for the assault happening and not protecting the student.
July 11th, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
Security and safety are not separate from educational experiences - they are integral parts of education. Students cannot learn at their full potential in unsafe or unsecure schools. Any private management company that says it doesn’t have the expertise to provide security should either get it or not be managing schools.
July 11th, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
Yes, a private company management of a school district or building should assume all aspects of that building, including the management of security operations. It should be required to put in place a professional security staff that meets all training requirements. Parents should have a voice in this process as well.