Kirkwood School District Implements Strategies to Reduce Disproportionality in Student Discipline

The Kirkwood School District Board of Education held a work session on August 25, 2025, focusing on key initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, particularly for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and students of color. A significant highlight of the meeting was the district's commitment to closing achievement gaps and addressing disproportionality in discipline.

During the session, district leaders reported a slight increase in referrals for students with IEPs; however, there was a notable decrease in overall suspension rates. This positive trend positions Kirkwood as having the best suspension rate for students with IEPs among all school districts in St. Louis County. Despite this achievement, officials acknowledged the need for continued improvement, particularly in addressing the disproportionality of discipline among students without IEPs.

The district plans to enhance its support systems by utilizing data to develop individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) for students. These plans will focus on understanding the root causes of behavioral issues and implementing strategies to support students effectively. The district is also collaborating with a countywide behavioral intervention team to provide targeted coaching and support for educators.

In addition to behavioral support, the district is leveraging disproportionality funding to invest in training for school psychologists and to develop a community mentor program. This initiative aims to connect successful Kirkwood graduates with current students, providing guidance and inspiration for their future paths.

As the school year progresses, the district will continue to analyze data and refine its strategies to ensure that all students receive the support they need to thrive. The board's discussions reflect a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for every student in the Kirkwood community.