Commissioner of Public Safety Le’i Sonny Thompson says six suspects in the break-in and vandalism at Leone High School at the beginning of the year are all juveniles and some are now before the courts.
Investigations continue into the second incident at Leone High School and break-ins and property damage at Tafuna High.
Le’i said the same students involved in the first incident at Leone were identified as culprits in the second break-in at the home of the Lions.
The Commissioner, Director of Education Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga and Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale were questioned by the House Education Committee yesterday concerning the break-ins at the western district high schools.
Director of Education Dr. Ruth Matagi Tofiga told the hearing that the schools need security cameras, truancy officers and night time security.
She said they have discussed the need for truancy officers with the US Department of Education.
The director informed lawmakers that at a school assembly at LHS following the second break-in incident, she warned students that they can be put on indefinite suspension if they are involved.
She also met with the principal and staff of whom 70 percent are from the district and reminded them that they had asked to be assigned to Leone in their desire to give back to their community. She asked them,”But what is happening now?”
The DOE director said she impressed upon the school administration they need to step up to the plate to resolve what’s happening at the schools.
She said students who are put on indefinite suspension will still get instruction, just not in a classroom setting.
Leone Rep. Andra Samoa said in her meetings with the school principal and staff, they have expressed disappointment that the students responsible for vandalism are still turning up in school and they have an air about them as if they are free to do what they want and nobody can touch them.
From what teachers have said, it’s almost as if the six suspects are laughing that nothing is being done to them.
Samoa said she was told that a parent came to the school and volunteered that her son was involved.
She asked if something can be done to stop students who do not want to learn while attending school.
She also inquired with the commissioner if it’s possible to have police from the Leone substation right next door make spot visits to the school during the day.
Attorney General Talauega stated that the school manual spells out disciplinary actions for students who engage in prohibited behavior.
He said the school can enforce those rules and expel students without waiting until a criminal investigation is over.
Le’i pointed out that police have to respond to school fights regularly and the police force is already severely understaffed.
He said they try to carry out patrols in the schools, but they are also mindful that their presence does not disrupt instruction.
