Students, parents share safety concerns at George Washington High School
SOMERTON (WPVI) -- Students and parents said fights that broke out Thursday and Friday are an example of the chaos and dangerous environment at George Washington High School.
They tell Action News a fight that took place on Thursday that left a boy hospitalized after putting his fist through a window is typical of what goes on at the school in Northeast Philadelphia.
Students and parents say there is a total breakdown of discipline and too many distractions.
Bob Eisenmann said the violence spills out beyond the school, saying his son was jumped across the street.
"They came behind him, sucker punched him, knocked him down on the ground, kicked the crap out of him," said Eisenmann. "He ended up with a concussion, TMJ of the jaw, bruised ribs, a strained back and all this."
Parent said the fights have been a problem for years.
Last year, a school police officer died of a heart attack after breaking up a fight.
Related: DA: Allentown student pushed teacher down set of bleachers
Fran Kaminsky tells Actions News she's been trying to get help for two years, but her letters to district administrators have been brushed off.
Kaminsky said she can't even talk to the principal.
"He ignores me when I'm in the building or anywhere around him," said Kaminsky. "He's informed his staff if I come in the building, he wants to know about it, and that was two years ago."
Action News tried to talk to Principal Gene Jones, but he ran from our camera.
Students say the teachers have no support and the school is in chaos.
"There's no structure anymore, there's not enough security to support the large student body that we have, and we need that in order to have a safe, learning environment," said Senior Class President Jude Husein.
The school district has released a statement saying it is aware of the concerns at the high school and is working to address them.
A parent-community meeting will be held next week.
