For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 18, 2002
Superintendent Art Rainwater said today that the District will review all school building safety measures to ensure the well-being of students and staff. Rainwater said safety precautions are of paramount importance in the wake of a sexual assault at West High School. The alleged assailant was arrested and is no longer attending school in the District.
"We are distressed that a sexual assault has occurred in one of our schools. We are reviewing circumstances related to this incident to find better ways to ensure the safety of everyone in our buildings," Rainwater said.
He said the District continually assesses safety measures, but would now focus on:
as well as educational programs that provide strategies to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Rainwater said the District will also work with the Madison Police Department on crime prevention strategies. District security personnel will assess their schools based on the above criteria. Each high school has one Madison Police officer and two security guards on duty.
"We will make every effort to reduce the chances of this kind of incident from ever happening again," Rainwater said. "West is prepared to respond by providing support and resources - such as counseling - to students as their needs arise."
Information about the assault was sent to all West HS parents and guardians. Students and staff will also be provided materials from Student Anti-Victimization Education (SAVE), a program operated by the Madison Police Department.
Public Information Office
545 W. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703
608-663-1879
email: newsrelease@madison.k12.wi.us
Last Modified: 2002-09-19
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