Stratford School Board approves mandate for restorative practices training

Stratford School District is set to enhance its approach to student behavior and school climate following a unanimous decision by the Board of Education to adopt a new school climate policy. During the monthly meeting held on June 4, 2025, board members waived the first reading of the policy, which emphasizes restorative practices aimed at fostering a supportive environment for students.

The policy, described as an "unfunded mandate," is designed to improve the school climate by implementing restorative practices that have been a focus of training within the district for several years. Board member Miss Horvitz highlighted that Stratford has been proactive in preparing its staff for this shift, with every new teacher receiving comprehensive training in restorative practices before the school year begins. This summer marks a significant milestone, as the district will utilize its own trained staff for these sessions, eliminating the need for outside contractors.

The discussion also addressed concerns regarding the effectiveness of restorative practices, particularly in cases where behaviors persist despite intervention. Board members emphasized that while restorative practices aim to help students learn from their mistakes, they do not eliminate consequences for inappropriate behavior. The district is committed to maintaining a balance between restorative measures and disciplinary actions, ensuring that students understand the repercussions of their actions while also being given opportunities for growth and improvement.

The board acknowledged the challenges of communicating these dual approaches to parents, particularly regarding privacy concerns that prevent the disclosure of specific disciplinary actions taken against other students. However, they reiterated that all students involved in incidents receive both restorative support and appropriate consequences.

As Stratford moves forward with this policy, the district plans to develop formal implementation strategies and submit them to the state by October 1. This proactive approach aims to create a more inclusive and effective educational environment, ultimately benefiting students and the broader community.