Desks flipped, students punched: Modesto teachers decry rise in student violence

Teachers in Modesto City Schools are calling for urgent action as student misbehavior reaches alarming levels. At a recent school board meeting, educators described violent incidents, from flipped desks and vandalism to students being punched or stabbed with pencils. District officials cited discipline limits under state and federal law but pledged to review policies, train staff, and host a behavior symposium. Experts say the problem is widespread, linking it to pandemic-era learning loss and social delays. The district has launched new behavioral programs and hired more mental health staff to address the crisis.