Clay County awarded $230,000 to expand restorative-practices program across schools and community

The Clay County Board approved a draft contract Tuesday enabling the county to accept a $230,000 restorative-practices initiative grant to expand restorative-justice programming across school districts and the community.

Ryan (county staff) told the board the county originally sought $500,000 and was awarded $230,000 for an 18-month project to grow capacity, add a part-time facilitator to support existing staff and provide training and program evaluation. “We were awarded $230,000,” Ryan said.

Nut graf: County officials said the grant will fund staff time, training partnerships with Circle Up Education and other providers, contracts for facilitators, and an evaluation by a University of North Dakota professor to measure outcomes and sustainability across Clay County schools.

Michelle, the county restorative-practices lead, described planned uses: a part-time facilitator paired with the county’s full-time coordinator Lucas Bridal; virtual and in-person training for school staff; a train‑the‑trainer track; and contracted evaluations and supports for higher-risk youth after diversion. The county’s Restorative Practices Advisory Council (RPAC) will meet quarterly during the grant period to provide partner input and oversight.

Board members praised the program’s track record. One commissioner moved to approve the draft grant contract; the motion carried on voice vote. County staff said the grant term may run from July 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2026, depending on final Office of Justice Programs paperwork, and that the contract will return for signature by the board chair and county administrator once finalized.

Ending: Staff will finalize the contract with the Office of Justice Programs, begin hiring or contracting as specified in the grant, and report progress to the board through RPAC and periodic updates.