News 12 at 11, May 12, 2007

Augusta, Ga. --- Dr. Bedden said creating a family structure, that allows parents to have a relationship with their kids, school, and the community, will help keep gangs from getting in the way of quality education.

Gang activity in Richmond County Schools. Dr. Bedden said he's concerned about it because anything that happens in the community has the potential to happen in the school system.

"We have concerns about drugs. We have concerns about gangs, that may be evolving in the community, well it will happen in school," Richmond County School Superintendent, Dr. Dana Bedden said.

And it has. Back in April, five students from the Academy of Richmond County were arrested after a fight broke out at the school. About 700 students crowded into the hallway. You can see some flashing gang signs. And just this past week, 25 students from Cross Creek High School were suspended for the rest of the school year for suspected gang affiliation.

"Those kids go to school somewhere. So that means that the school can be subject to those types of behaviors that exist," Dr. Bedden said.

And that's why he wants you to help. Bedden believes a strong parent, school, and community collaboration will help solve the gang activity in schools.

"Maybe we need to have our own different version of a gang. Kids join gangs to feel like they belong somewhere. To have some relationships thats missing in another part of their life," Dr. Bedden said.

Bedden admits there's gang activity in Richmond County Schools, and something needs to be done.

"It's a community problem. I will not sit and subscribe to blaming the parents or blaming the teachers," Dr. Bedden said.

He said if everyone worked together, the students would be more successful. Dr. Bedden said Sheriff Ronnie Strength has been very supportive and their both working together to crack down on school gang activity.