Susan Craig

With several programs in place addressing school climate, the Berkeley Unified School District has experienced no expulsions and greatly reduced suspensions of students last year.

The policy, created by the California School Boards Association, lays out guidelines for the district superintendent as to how to educate students about sexual harassment issues, and also delineates disciplinary actions to be taken by schools against sexual harassment offenders.

The federal Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation in January to address complaints from Berkeley High School students, who allege the school district committed a federal offense under Title IX by failing to respond adequately to sexual assault and harassment cases.

About one year after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., Berkeley Unified School District will spend about $2 million on a comprehensive school safety plan.

Like many school districts across the nation, concerns about school safety after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary has prompted the Berkeley Unified School District to reassess and improve safety measures at its 20 schools.

Fewer Berkeley High School students are bringing weapons to campus and going to class drunk or stoned, according to recent data from a new self-reported survey.