Calaveras County School Districts

County school districts are now developing and implementing action plans to manage current safety and welfare issues based on the 2005 California Healthy Kids Survey and observations by staff and teachers. This survey was conducted at Bret Harte and Calaveras high schools. Deputy Sheriff School Resource Officer, teachers and administrators interviewed reported the major problem is alcohol and marijuana abuse. Incidents of harassment, theft from lockers, and unattended purses were also reported. Bret Harte Union School District received a $455,225 grant provided by the state departments of Justice and Education, to fund programs to prevent school violence. The district has started a character education program that includes peer counseling, group and individual counseling and after-school activities designed to create an atmosphere of tolerance and respect on campus and to 47 reduce or eliminate harassment in all its forms. The counselor/social worker at Bret Harte is directing these programs. Bret Harte has also hired a substance abuse counselor to work with individuals or with groups. The grant is also paying for a Calaveras County sheriff's deputy to spend time on the Vallecito High School campus observing, enforcing, and interacting with students. Two programs with newly trained leaders have been introduced: “Reconnecting Youth” at Vallecito High and “Too Good for Drugs and Alcohol” at Bret Harte High. They focus on developing self-management skills and on learning to make good decisions. According to counselor reports, Bret Harte High is recognizing the potential for the existence of gang activity. District superintendents and Deputy Sheriff School Resource Officer report that the districts have not yet experienced gang- like violence. Gang colors and attire are not allowed on campuses. Administrators acknowledge that training and resources for aides and teachers are needed to enable them to manage harassment, disruptive, and anti- social behavior in the classroom and on campus.

Bus maintenance records in all districts were well maintained and the inspections by the Department of Motor Vehicles showed high marks of approval. The districts are purchasing new buses to replace older busses and constructing new maintenance facilities as budgets permit.

The Grand Jury became aware of bus route and bus stop safety problems within the county. The Grand Jury selected the Pettinger Road bus route for detailed 48 observation and found excessive patching causing a rough uneven road with unsafe shoulders. Heavy traffic between Jenny Lind and Highway 12 during morning bus travel intensifies the danger. Transportation Director of the Calaveras Unified School District and bus drivers report the road to be unsafe. The Calaveras County Public Works Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance reported that road safety is their main concern and that no complaint had been received from the Calaveras Unified School District. Therefore only routine attention was being paid to this road. The Deputy Director reports, equipment to monitor peak usage of this road will be set up and attention will be given as to whether the condition of the road and usage deserve priority for possible resurfacing or repair.