School Zone

The earliest snapshot of suspensions in the Buffalo Public Schools shows an increase over last year in both short-term and long-term suspensions in the district.

Through the end of September 2011, there had been 614 short-term (one- to five-day) suspensions, compared to 441 for that period last year. That's an increase of slightly more than one-third.

But you really need to look a little closer at the numbers. There were more schools that saw a decrease in suspensions than an increase -- but some of those with an increase saw a much bigger numeric increase, which affected the overall district stats.

The schools that saw the biggest percentage increase in short-term suspensions: Pantoja, Drew Science Magnet and Harriett Ross Tubman. Each of them saw at least a ten-fold increase. Among the high schools, Burgard's increase was greatest; suspensions there more than tripled.

Long-term suspensions increased far more, district-wide, than short-term suspensions. They nearly tripled, in fact.

There had been 196 long-term (more than five days) suspensions through the end of September 2011, compared to 66 during that period last year.

Most schools had just one or two long-term suspensions so far. Several had none.

Some exceptions: Bennett had 30 long-term suspensions in September 2011 (compared to seven last September); Burgard had 28 (compared to six last September); and McKinley had 17 (compared to one last September).

(Remember, short-term suspensions are at the discretion of building principals. Long-term suspensions are at the discretion of the superintendent or his/her designee.)

Here's a breakdown of the short-term suspensions, by building:

We'll provide updates on the suspension situation as the year progresses. Stay tuned.

- Mary Pasciak

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