Proviso Forum Addresses Safety Concerns

Attendees of a July 16 community safety forum suggested an anonymous hotline, uniforms, parent volunteers and bringing back the district's peer mediation program as ways to improve safety in Proviso high schools, the Forest Park Review reported Tuesday.

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Proviso Township High Schools District 209 hosted parents, area police officials, community leaders and elected officials at the forum at Proviso Math and Science Academy to, "Discuss different ways that the district, area law enforcement, and the community at large can promote the safety of students, decrease violence, and develop partnerships to accomplish common goals," according to the district.

Fighting among students at both Proviso East and Proviso West high schools prompted the forum, District 209 Superintendent Nettie Collins-Hart told the Review. 

At least 10 students were arrested after a fight that reportedly involved more than 300 Proviso East High School students on the last day of school.  
While the fight was not on the high school's campus, according to a District 209 statement following the disturbance, it was part of the conversation at the forum. 

Maywood Community Police Officer Percy Allen told the Review students had planned the fight on social media. Proviso East Principal Tony Valente said school officials "didn't have a clue" about the fight. 

"District officials were not made aware of the fighting that occurred until later in the day, since it occurred off campus and falls outside of the district’s jurisdiction," the District 209 statement reads. 

"We take safety and security of our students, staff, and school environment very seriously. That is the reason that extra procedures were put into place to ensure a smooth end of school year at Proviso East. Our school year ended without any incident, and we are very pleased to report that."