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November 10,
2004
Teenager dies
at school known for strict discipline
By Matthew Franck
A teenager sent
to a private boot camp in northwest Missouri has died, prompting an
inquiry by the Caldwell County Sheriff's Department.
The teenager was
a student at Thayer Learning Center Boot Camp and Boarding School, a
reform program based in Kidder, Mo., that relies on strict,
military-style discipline to reach troubled youths. In recent weeks,
a few parents have pulled their children from the boot camp citing
concerns about their treatment.
Jerry Banks, who
operates Thayer, said the student died Wednesday, less than a week
after enrolling in the program. Banks would not identify the student
and did not provide an age.
Caldwell County
Chief Deputy Sheriff Jeff Alsup said the death was part of an
ongoing investigation. He declined to provide further details.
Banks said the
student apparently died of an "unexplained medical condition."
Students at the school participate in intense physical exercise. But
Banks said the student was not involved in any physical activity at
the time of death.
Banks said he
was not aware of the student having any prior medical conditions
that would have required special attention. He said the student
appeared healthy upon enrolling at the boot camp.
Banks said he
welcomed a thorough investigation. "We're cooperating with everyone,
because we want the answer, too," he said.
Thayer is one of
several teen-reform programs in Missouri that are exempt from most
state regulation. Critics say the lack of regulation makes it
difficult to verify that the programs are safe.
But Banks said
he was open to those who have questions about the boot camp. In
September, he allowed a Post-Dispatch reporter to tour the boot
camp.
At least three
parents have recently withdrawn students from the program, including
one mother who said her son had been in solitary confinement for 11
days.
But the majority
of parents have stuck with the program, many praising it for
rescuing their youth. Banks said recent criticism of the boot camp
stems from misinformation spread by disgruntled employees.
Thayer enrolls
more than 100 students, nearly all from outside Missouri. The school
charges $4,000 a month for tuition and room and board.
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