GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – A new way of disciplining students is coming to one Green Bay school.
Washington Middle School plans on implementing a ‘teen court’ this fall.
Director of Special Education and Pupil Services Vicki Bayer says students who admit to committing an offense will have their punishment determined by a group of peers.
“A group of students would serve as the jury. A student would represent the prosecution, and another would represent the defense. That part of the progam allows for skill development for students. A case would be presented before their peers. The jury would make a decision about consequence, and the student has two options: one is to accept the consequence or have to receive a consequence from the school administrators.”
Bayer notes the teen court will not be called upon in all instances.
“Anything that is suspendable or a serious board policy violation that could lead to expulsion would not go this route.”
While multiple details still need to be worked out, Bayer hopes to begin training the students who are selected to serve in the teen court in September and October, with an implementation goal of November.
“Our only request is that it be a variety of students that represent the diversity of the population we have at Washington Middle School.”
Bayer says there will be administrative oversight of the proceedings.
She notes the idea was proposed by Brown County Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Vopal and Assistant State Public Defender with the Green Bay Trial Office Elisabeth Stockbridge, who are offering their services so the school can implement the court free of cost.
The suggestion came in response to a call for community assistance by Superintendent Michelle Langenfeld, following allegations of an unsafe school environment that were made by former Washington teacher Kerstin Westcott when she submitted her resignation at a June school board meeting.
Bayer says she has seen the teen court work effectively in the Fond du Lac School District, and believes other districts have similar programs.
