Statement by Bowling Brook Preparatory School

Statement by Bowling Brook Preparatory School in the Ongoing Investigation of the Death of Isaiah Simmons III

Last Update: 7:02 PM ET Jan 30, 2007

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KEYMAR, Md., Jan 30, 2007 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ --

In connection with the tragic death of Isaiah Simmons III, the Bowling Brook Preparatory School continues to cooperate fully with local and state investigators.

Since its inception in 1957, Bowling Brook has had a stellar record of safety and achievement in providing for the needs of chronic and serious juvenile offenders. Bowling Brook has a long-standing tradition and commitment to providing quality residential and educational services to male adolescents in a challenging, safe and humane environment that is conducive to learning.

We believe that the investigation will reveal that Bowling Brook's procedures were appropriate, that our staff acted in accordance with our procedures and in a manner consistent with Maryland law.

Bowling Brook has an extensive training program for all staff that meets or exceeds the requirements of Maryland law, including the use of physical restraints. While state regulations require only a high school education, the vast majority of our staff has earned four-year college degrees. The staff involved in the incident was senior staff of the highest caliber with advanced training.

The Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) verifies Bowling Brook's compliance with all state law every two years via licensing certification, most recently in March, 2006. DJS also conducts periodic on-site reviews, the most recent of which was conducted eleven days before the incident on January 23, 2007. DJS raised no concerns during its January 12, 2007 visit.

It has been reported that Bowling Brook staff restrains students by sitting or kneeling on the head or torso. Bowling Brook categorically denies these assertions. Bowling Brook maintains that it is never appropriate to sit or kneel on a student's head or torso. Bowling Brook believes that the investigation of this incident will reveal that no member of our staff sat or kneeled on the head or torso of Isaiah Simmons.

In compliance with Maryland law, Bowling Brook reports all incidents in which it restrains a student. There has never been a concern raised by a student, a student's family, DJS, or any other agency regarding our practices.

SOURCE Bowling Brook Preparatory School