Attorney General Dedicates Kennedy High School Prevention, Intervention Safety Center

(SACRAMENTO) – Attorney General Bill Lockyer today was honored for helping improve school safety during a ceremony dedicating John F. Kennedy High School's Prevention, Intervention Safety Center in Sacramento. The center and other security improvements on campus were funded through a special school safety program administered by the Attorney General's office and the Department of Education.

In addition, the Attorney General and Superintendent of Public Instruction joined with local law enforcement and others to provide training and technical assistance on school safety and violence prevention issues to the Sacramento City Unified School District and Kennedy High School. The grant funds were also used to help purchase security cameras, lighting and carts for patrolling the forty-three acre campus.

"Sacramento City Unified School District and Kennedy High School have taken important steps to improve student safety on their campuses," Lockyer said. "It is my hope that schools throughout California will continue to work with me to build on existing strategies and develop new innovations that prevent violence and improve learning at our schools."

"The opening of the new Kennedy High School Safety Center creates a wonderful opportunity for the local community to work together with students and administrators to help provide a safe and successful school experience," stated Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin. "By nurturing and making use of our greatest asset--the potential leadership of our students--we can demonstrate our commitment to school safety and a quality education for all."

Kennedy High School's principal, Jim Lake said, "As a school, we greatly appreciate the assistance that has been provided by the Attorney General and Superintendent of Public Instruction. Their assistance has catapulted our school into an environment of safety and peace unlike any I have ever seen in my twelve years of being a principal."

The Safety Center was established to assist in maintaining a safe environment for both students and staff on campus. The center is open and staffed throughout the school day as well as before and after school hours by a faculty director and students trained to assist their peers. Among the services provided by the Safety Center are: campus monitoring, peer counseling, conflict management, mentoring, tutoring and an resource center which provides information and referrals on a variety of issues. Peer counselors and faculty provide information and counseling to students on violence, drug abuse, physical abuse, harassment, truancy and other conduct that might hinder education on the campus.

Beginning in January, Kennedy High School will also have a Sacramento City police officer on campus to assist students and prevent violence.