District administrators presented the RISE curriculum on June 23, a restorative program intended to support elementary students who would otherwise be expelled or removed from classroom settings. The program uses tiered levels (0–4) and pairs curriculum materials with onsite coaching from a regional support team (SDAC) and restorative circles to reintegrate students into their regular classrooms.

Assistant Superintendent Holly Putnam Jackson described RISE as a set of lessons, posters and staff training that teach interpersonal and self-management skills so students can demonstrate readiness to return to class. “The RISE curriculum supports students relearning skills so that they can be reintegrated into the classroom through a restorative circle,” Putnam Jackson said.

Administrators said year-one implementation costs are approximately $55,600 without additional onsite coaching days; if projected support days are used, the three-year cost is roughly $97,225. The district plans to budget training and to build internal capacity, with SDAC providing up to five onsite support days per student when needed.

Board members asked about how the program would affect classroom teachers, academic continuity and whether training would require every elementary teacher to attend. Administrators said training would target staff most involved (e.g., the RISE-classroom teacher, a para, counselor and principal) and not all 500+ elementary teachers; classroom work would be coordinated so students do not fall behind academically.

The item was discussion-only and will return for action at a future meeting; administrators told the board they would bring implementation details and a funding plan back for approval.