Crime and short-term suspensions declined for the 2009-10 school year in Durham Public Schools.  DPS reports a 31 percent decrease in crime and acts of violence between 2008-09 and 2009-10 in grades 9-12.

The number of acts of crime and violence dropped from 241 to 166, according toa district news release.  In addition, there was a decrease in possessions of weapons, controlled substances and alcohol on campus.  The report also shows a decrease in assaults on school personnel and assault with serious injury. 

The total number of acts per 1,000 students was 17.40 in Durham Public Schools for the 2009-10 school year, compared to 25.07 the previous year, the release said.

Several initiatives in new Superintendent Eric Becoats' Strategic Plan will address safety. The plan also calls for strengthening the district’s work with Durham law enforcement to develop prevention programs that will support schools and families.

The total number of short-term suspensions (10 days or less) for all grade levels in the 2009-10 school year was 6,492.  This compares to 6,533 in 2008-09. 

In grades 9-12, short-term suspensions decreased from 3,919 in 2008-09 to 3,633 in 2009-10.  The number of long-term suspensions showed an increase from 69 in 2008-09 to 142 in 2009-10.

The state also reports that the number of students who dropped out of Durham Public Schools remains steady.  Last school year, a total of 444 students in grades 9-12 left DPS before graduating in 2009-10.  The dropout count was also 444 in 2008-09.  The district’s dropout rate slightly increased from 4.26 in 2008-09 to 4.32 in 2009-10.