Ongoing reports of violent incidents and vandalism in Calvert’s public schools have prompted county officials — mostly outside the realm of education — to respond with their own call for action.
That response came Tuesday morning when the county commissioners voted unanimously to approve creation of an ad hoc committee to be comprised of leaders of law enforcement, government, churches, nonprofits, schools and government. The Calvert County Student Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee will be appointed by the county commissioners.
The call for action was heightened last month when several teachers and a student from Calvert High School addressed the county board of education and reported incidents that included fights, drug use inside the building, vaping and assaults.
“I take it personal,” Sheriff Ricky Cox (R), a Calvert High graduate who called the formation of a committee “a first step.”
Linda M. Turner, deputy county administrator, provided the commissioners with a overview of the proposed committee, which will “make recommendations intending to enhance the learning environment and improve school culture and climate. They must consider the latest school safety best practices and make recommendations that position the county’s learning environments to be ahead of new threats, concerns and safety mandates.”
Turner said the committee will look at the school discipline issue “holistically.” Any individual interested in serving on the panel will be invited to apply. County government staff will present a list of recommended candidates for the commissioners to consider for appointment.
Turner said the aim is to have the panel in place by early June.
Commissioner Todd Ireland (R), also a Calvert High graduate, said he was “disgusted” by the reports of vandalism at the school.
“They’re breaking up our schools,” Ireland said.
The first-term commissioner, who is a retired sheriff’s office captain, introduced a retired state trooper, Richard Hill. Hill spoke about a conversation he had with residents who are considering relocating due to the “out of control” situation within the county’s public school system.
All the way from Ireland, Commissioner Catherine M. Grasso (R) weighed in via telephone.
“The inmates are running the asylum,” Grasso said. “We have to get our schools back.”
While he declared most of the system’s students are focused on studies and achievement, Cox said “a small minority” of youth are wreaking havoc in the halls, classrooms and bathrooms.
“We’re allowing that small minority to win,” Cox said.
The sheriff told the commissioners he wants to add more school resource officers and bring back the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program back to Calvert’s schools.
Superintendent Andraé Townsel was invited to address the board by Commissioner Preident Earl F. “Buddy” Hance (R).
Commissioner Mark Cox Sr. (R) said he found “very disturbing” reports that school bathrooms are being closed during the school day and those that are open are being monitored by teachers who are supposed to be teaching in the classrooms.
“I hope this committee will work with all people,” Mark Cox said.
“I’m open to any type of support,” Townsel said. “I do believe it takes a village.”
The superintendent noted that county public school students who run afoul of the law while classes are in session are being arrested and going to juvenile court. The superintendent said Calvert ranks third in the state for the number of students who have been arrested for school-related crime.
“We have thousand of referrals,” Townsel said, adding that he is obligated to report all disciplinary data to state officials.
The superintendent also mentioned his initiative to address disciplinary problems at the high school level, including trying to contract with motivational speaker Eric Thomas, which “was shot down” after the 2022-2023 school year due to budget concerns.
During the public comment segment of Tuesday’s meeting, Owings resident Joseph Cormier reminded those present that there is a statewide hotline available to report school safety related issues such as drug abuse, bullying, harassment, hate speech and violence in schools. The number is 1-833-632-7233.
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