Suspension rates at Venice High and other high schools throughout LAUSD have been declining in recent years, according to data found on LAUSD’s website.

In the 2006-2007 school year, Venice suspended 429 students, or about thirteen percent of students. During the 2010-2011 school year, only about 9 percent, or 235, students were suspended.

Assistant Principal Marc Paez contributes the drop to a changing school climate and a new discipline program in place by the district.

“The climate on our campus has gotten calmer,” said Mr. Paez. “I think the environment has improved tremendously.”

LAUSD’s recent implementation of the Positive Behavior Support Program has also contributed to the decline. The program encourages administrators to counsel students and encourage good behavior instead of immediately suspending students.

“[The deans, Mr. Campbell and Mr. Flores] put in the extra effort to counsel and to teach students,” said Mr. Paez. “Our teachers are willing to work with the deans and students.”

Other high schools in LAUSD like San Pedro have also seen a drastic drop in suspensions. In 2007-2008, the school had a suspension rate of about 9 percent of students. Last year the rate plummeted to just below 4 percent.

Reseda High, however, saw an increase in suspensions, from over 8 percent of students suspended to over 12 percent, during the same time period. ◊