Ron Pope Takes on New
Challenge:
Coordinator of Gang
Prevention, Intervention and Enforcement
Ronald V. Pope, who has served Memphis
City Schools in several important capacities, has been selected to lead
the district’s charge to reduce the prevalence of gang involvement
by students in the district.
“Gangs are a product of the community,
rather than schools, so it’s important that Memphis City Schools work
closely with a variety of agencies, “ Pope said. “Collaboration
is an integral part of the solution.”
Pope
said that the district is working closely with such agencies as the
Attorney General’s office, the Shelby County Sheriff’s
Department and the Memphis Police Department. Over the last two
weeks, committees have met and will continue to meet. A handbook
for parents, along with an administrative handbook for principals, has
been developed. In addition, Superintendent Dan Ward has had a
meeting with the district’s principals at which the new policy
regarding gang prevention, intervention and enforcement was discussed.
“We have one main goal,” Pope said,
“and that is to ensure that students and parents know it’s a top
priority that schools are safe for students. We want to educate
the community about what gang involvement entails and how it impacts
the community. We want parents to know how to identify gang signs and
symbols. We want to prevent inappropriate labeling in that regard as
well. For instance, just one sign, such as a child wearing a certain
color shirt or jacket, doesn’t mean a child is involved in a gang.
“Memphis is not alone in tackling this
issue,” he continued. “All school districts – urban, suburban
and rural – need to put practices in place and intervene when necessary.”
Pope joined Memphis City Schools 10 years
ago as Coordinator of Alternative Programs and has also served the district
as Coordinator of Safe Schools & Alternative Programs. Prior
to joining Memphis City Schools, he worked as a director of Managed
Care for Children, Assistant Director of Community Support Program,
a psychotherapist/alcohol and drug counselor, a forensic social worker
and a mental health specialist.
Born in Chicago, IL, Pope earned a bachelor
of science degree in educational psychology from Alcorn State University
in 1985, followed in 1988 by a master’s degree in Forensics of Social
Work from Boston College.
He has served as a Field Placement Supervisor
for the University of Tennessee College of Social Work and a Field Instructor
for Memphis State University’s Department of Social Work. In the community,
he has served on the planning committee for the International People
of Color, on the Board Nominating Committee for the Boy Scouts of America,
as a mentor in the Memphis Partners Mentor Program for children, as
a Board member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a Board member of the Fogelman
Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), on the statewide planning
committee of TCSW and as a Board member of the Boys Club of Memphis.
He is married with three children.
