Syracuse School Board Commissioners Support Use of Tasers

By Brenda Leung
October, 14, 2009


The Syracuse Board of Education commissioners spoke up supporting Taser-equipped campus security officers Wednesday. Since handguns are prohibited in school area, Tasers have become helpful in dealing with potentially dangerous situation - teen violence.

"Having a safe place for our children to be educated is truly our priority," Syracuse School Board President Kim Rohadfox-Ceaser said.

Rohadfox-Ceaser also said security officials informed students of the five high schools about the change in weapon policy: other than carrying gun, pepper spray, and nightstick, Syracuse police officers started carrying Tasers in schools last summer.

Taser hit the news after the two incidents at Fowler and Nottingham high school several weeks ago when school resource officers fired the devices at two students within 24 hours in no relation. One Taser hit its target.

"It's unfortunate that we have to do this," board member Dr. Cynthia Kirby said regarding the use of Tasers.

"We support not guns or Tasers or spray; we support our police officers," Superintendent Dan Lowengard said. "The message will be very strong to all of the students that fighting is never acceptable."

A safe school provides better learning environment. Fowler has a graduation rate of 36 percent; Nottingham, 52 percent. Graduation rate often indicates the quality of the student body. Lowengard said convincing students they can succeed will help make things safer and improve graduation rates.

He also said the only way to reduce school violence is to allow "kids to see their future and engage in their learning on a day-to-day basis." Lowengard promised that police and district officials will review every use of Taser and revisit the policy as the school year progresses.