Grand Blanc enforces fines for school fights starting April

The Grand Blanc City Council has approved a new ordinance to address fights in schools. The ordinance will take effect on April 2. It aims to reduce violence on school grounds, where many incidents have been reported in recent years. In the 2023-24 school year, there were over 82 fights at schools in Grand Blanc. Another 81 potential fights were stopped before they began. This school year alone, 33 fights have been reported so far, with 47 incidents prevented by school officials. Grand Blanc Police Chief Brian Lipe said the idea for the ordinance came from a training session attended by a school resource officer. Other states have used similar approaches with success. Under the new ordinance, a student involved in a fight will face a fine starting at $200, which can rise to $500 for repeat offenses. Both parties involved in a fight may be fined unless one is proven innocent. The Grand Blanc school district supports the new rules. Superintendent Dr. Trevor Alward believes the ordinance will help reduce physical conflicts on campus. Lipe noted that these fines are considered civil infractions. They will not appear on a criminal record or affect driving records. The ordinance aims to hold students and their parents accountable for their actions. In addition to this, schools will continue to manage disciplinary issues internally. Lipe mentioned that Grand Blanc might be the only area in the county implementing such measures. He believes these actions are necessary to create a safe environment in schools, as fighting disrupts classes and learning.