District 205 parents and teachers met at a local church this afternoon to discuss how to prevent crime from leaking into Rockford classrooms. Just this week, four East High students were arrested for fighting. That same day, a Kennedy Middle School student was charged with disorderly conduct. The group says more security through metal detectors is needed.
"I had one student tell me that having the security guards there is basically a joke. They can't do anything, they just carry the pepper spray. They have no authority really. The kids are basically taking over the school," says Voices of Rockford president Joan Wardzala.
Organizers say there is a greater gang presence in local schools as many gangs from Chicago are recruiting young kids and teens from outside the city. We'll have more from what a school board member has to say about this meeting tonight at 10.