Eight teachers representing the Woodland Hills Education Association spoke at last night's school board meeting about administrative failures they say exacerbate violence in the district.

They cited a lack of consistency in punishment, unavailable resources such as time-out rooms, and non-compliance with punishments stated in the student handbook as reasons students misbehave without fear of punishment.

"Policy isn't being followed and it's hindering our efforts to do our job," said Dixon Elementary teacher John Bonacci. She added that nine teachers have suffered injuries trying to break up fights this year.

"Students have learned they will not be held accountable for poor behavior," she said.

Union President Michelle Sperduto noted that a scheduled meeting in January to discuss the problems with the school board and administrators did not occur, and was not rescheduled.

"Based on the concerns my colleagues have addressed, and the fact that the board hasn't scheduled a follow-up meeting, the WHEA has no confidence in the district as a whole," she said.