Danville School Superintendent Alicia Geddis is on a mission — personally trying to reduce both suspensions and expulsions. And she is using a unique method to do it. She has asked teachers to identify students facing possible suspension so she can meet with them – one on one….
Superintendent Geddis credits Board of Education members and particularly Board President Bill Dobbles with taking a risk and re-defining her role. As she meets with at-risk students Dr. Geddis keeps track of their discussions in what she calls her ‘Baby Books’….
The Danville Superintendent not only meets with troubled kids but also occasionally shows up in their classroom…just to sit and listen. Geddis says she is trying to ‘’change things around’’ before students end up in front of her for an expulsion hearing, and ‘’hoping it makes a difference.’’
[Note: Books in the photo contain photos and notes taken by Dr. Geddis as she has met with both high school and middle school students trying to keep them on track to graduate.]