Succeed Boston reports drop in school suspensions and boosts student support programs

In a recent Boston School Committee remote meeting, the focus was on the evolving approach to student discipline within Boston Public Schools. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of progress as the senior director of Succeed Boston at the counseling center shared significant updates on alternative disciplinary measures that have emerged in response to new laws aimed at reducing suspensions.

Once a place where 1,500 students faced suspension annually, the counseling center has transformed its approach. This year, only 473 students have been suspended, while 460 have participated in a voluntary support program designed to intervene before conduct violations escalate. This shift reflects a broader commitment to education and prevention rather than punitive measures, as emphasized by the director.

Committee members raised critical questions about the implementation of these new practices, particularly regarding language access for non-English speaking families. Concerns were voiced about the intimidation parents may feel when navigating the conduct process without adequate support. The committee highlighted the importance of ensuring that families receive timely and comprehensible communication, especially during critical incidents involving their children.

In response, officials assured that interpretive services are a due process requirement, and efforts are being made to provide support in families' preferred languages. They acknowledged the need for ongoing communication and documentation throughout the disciplinary process, not just during hearings, to ensure families are informed and involved.

The discussion also touched on the retention of disciplinary records, with officials clarifying that schools can only consider disciplinary actions from the current year and that records are not shared with colleges or external entities after graduation. This policy aims to protect students' futures while still holding them accountable for their actions.

As the meeting concluded, the committee expressed a desire for continued updates on the impact of these changes, particularly for historically marginalized student populations. The commitment to restorative justice practices and the focus on prevention signal a hopeful shift in how Boston Public Schools addresses student behavior, aiming to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all students.