Warren Township Schools named Prosecutor’s 2019
Crime Fighter of the Year
Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry recognized the school district for innovative approaches to addressing truancy, reducing youth violence, and providing alternatives to expulsion
(Indianapolis, Ind.) — The Metropolitan School District of Warren Township has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Prosecutor’s Crime Fighter of the Year Award. The award was presented today by Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry on behalf of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office to Warren Township Schools Superintendent Dr. Timothy Hanson, Director of Student Services James Taylor, and District Athletic Director Marques Clayton. The presentation took place at the annual National Night Out Kick-Off and Crime Fighter of the Year Award Ceremony hosted by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Prosecutor Curry stated that Warren Township Schools were chosen for the district’s work in improving the success of their students and families through their innovative approaches to addressing truancy, reducing youth violence, and providing alternatives to expulsion.
“Warren Township Schools’ dedication to improving the lives of students and families in their district is commendable. Their innovative approaches to improve school safety, reduce referrals to the juvenile justice system, and meaningfully re-engage students in the school environment has had a resounding positive impact,” Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry stated. “We are proud to be one of the many partnerships and community resources brought together to address the needs of Warren Township students and their families.”
Spearheaded by Director of Student Services, James Taylor, Warren Township has implemented a pre-charging diversion program for nonviolent school-based offenses as an alternative to arrest and expulsion. The program addresses the social and psychological needs of the student while keeping the student connected to the school environment. Numerous community partners gather to support students with academic, counseling, and mentoring services.
Warren Township Schools have also developed programs to prevent youth violence and supported young leaders working to reduce violence among their peers. In response to the loss of student lives to violence since 2017, Athletic Director Mr. Marques Clayton organized “Take A Stand Indy” which brings together students, athletes, and coaches from Marion County as part of a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. Student athletes also attend a Teen Dating Violence Awareness program presented by a Marion County Deputy Prosecutor.
“Each year we highlight an individual or organization that is working to provide services to make their community a better place to live, work and learn,” Prosecutor Curry added. “It is our pleasure to recognize Warren Township Schools as they continue to build on a history of leadership through initiatives improving the lives of students, families, and members of the larger community.”
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PICTURED IN THE ATTACHED PHOTO (L-R): Marion County Chief Trial Deputy Prosecutor Ryan Mears, IMPD Chief Bryan Roach, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office Community Outreach Director Annie Kern, MSD Warren Township Athletic Director Marques Clayton, McGruff, MSD Warren Township Director of Student Services James Taylor, MSD Warren Township Superintendent Dr. Timothy Hanson, and Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry.