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Discipline data shows declines in suspensions; district reports fewer in‑school and out‑of‑school exclusions this year
Summary
District staff presented end‑of‑year discipline data showing drops in in‑school suspensions, out‑of‑school suspensions and several categories of incidents compared with the prior year; special-education and demographic overrepresentation remained areas staff said they'd continue to address.
Moore County Schools’ end‑of‑year discipline report, presented June 30, showed declines in several exclusionary consequences compared with the prior school year while staff outlined areas needing continued work.
Assistant directors and Interim Chief Gooch presented final-year counts: total office referrals for 2024–25 were 8,361 (up slightly year-to-date but down in some quarters), in‑school suspensions (ISS) fell by 356 referrals, out‑of‑school suspensions (OSS) fell by 27 referrals and bus suspensions fell by 28 referrals compared with the previous year.
Presenters said the top categories of office referrals remained inappropriate behavior, aggressive behavior with physical contact and disruptive behavior, which together accounted for roughly 44% of referrals. Staff noted declines in assault and fighting incidents overall.
Presenters highlighted continued overrepresentation of certain groups: students with individualized education programs (IEPs) — particularly students served by special education — were cited as disproportionately represented in some referral categories. Staff said they would pursue targeted interventions, data training for schools, problem-solving team supports and “soft audits” to improve consistency and reduce repeat incidents.
Board members praised the overall declines. Dr. Dahl and others highlighted the drop in in‑school suspensions as positive because removal from instruction can harm learning continuity. Board members asked about causes of racial and gender disproportionality; staff said they will provide school-level drilling and data analysis to local teams, and noted plans to support male students with self-regulation and coping strategies.
District leaders said the discipline-matrix rollout and consistent practices across elementary, middle and high schools helped standardize consequences. The board received the report as information and directed staff to continue data-driven supports for schools.
