Teachers say they fear for own safety at some CMS schools

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some Charlotte-Mecklenburg teachers told Channel 9 they're afraid to be in their own classrooms after the most recent fight involving an East Mecklenburg High School student.

A teacher reached out to Eyewitness News, asking to remain anonymous but eager to share their safety concerns.

The teacher said when disruptive students are removed from class, sometimes they're allowed right back in. The teacher is concerned the aggressive behavior will escalate.

Gary Crump, who mentors Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students through his group Men of Destiny, said he can sense fear among teachers.

"My perception, when I go into a lot of schools, is a lot of teachers are afraid of the students," Crump said.

Crump said students and staff need more conflict-resolution training to avoid fights like the one between a student and staff member at East Meck earlier this week.

"We don't need more videos of school personnel being beaten down," said Judy Kidd, of the Classroom Teachers Association.

Kidd said she is hearing from more teachers who are feeling less safe.

"You've got people in fear of being assaulted and people who have been assaulted," Kidd said.

Kidd said school staff members need more de-escalation training and more support from administrators.

"They call and ask for assistance and assistance never shows nor do they get a call back and that's inexcusable," Kidd said.

Crump said his group works with the county and other community groups through the Local Organizing Committee of Charlotte to offer free conflict resolution training.

Eyewitness News asked CMS about the concerns and the district sent the following statement:

"CMS is always concerned about the safety of staff and students at any and all of its schools and properties.  If any staff member is concerned about safety, they should always bring those concerns to the attention of school or office based administration. School leadership can always collaborate with CMS Police Department to ensure measures are in place to address any concerns about safety. Teachers are always instructed that they are not to put themselves in harm's way -- instead teachers should call for security, or an administrator who will involve the school resource officer if necessary. Most importantly all CMS staff are obligated to adhere to all safety procedures already in place, such as:

• Ensuring doors are kept locked
• Unauthorized individuals should not be allowed inside of buildings
• Doors should never be left ajar.

- Renee McCoy, CMS Executive Director of Communications".

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, there were 258 assaults on personnel in 2014-2015 and 301 last school year. That's up more than 15 percent.

Crump said his group works with the county and other community groups through the Local Organizing Committee of Charlotte to offer free conflict resolution training.

Cox Media Group