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York County details office-discipline trends and school-based behavior supports
Summary
Division data show most students do not require administrative discipline; staff described MTSS-based supports, PBIS incentives, VTSS coaching and declines in out-of-school suspensions over three years.
Division staff presented student behavior and administrative response data and described school‑level structures used to reduce classroom disruptions and out‑of‑school suspensions.
Dr. Eric Butler reviewed the Student Behavior and Administrative Response (SBAR) reporting framework and federal reporting requirements (ESSA, Gun‑Free Schools Act and IDEA removals). He said the division tracks how many students never had an office-managed referral, how many had referrals handled in‑school, and how many received out‑of‑school suspension. For the first semester of 2024–25, Butler said 91% of students had no office-managed referral, about 5.8% had an in‑school administrative response and about 3% received out‑of‑school suspensions.
Butler showed three-year trends indicating a reduction in total discipline referrals and in out‑of‑school suspensions compared with FY23 figures. He identified top behaviors leading to office referrals at each level: for elementary schools physical contact (pushing/shoving/biting) and classroom interference; for middle schools classroom interference and unwanted physical contact; for high schools unexcused tardiness and skipping assigned classes were prominent.
Staff described supports and training used to address behavior problems: multi‑tiered systems of support (MTSS) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) for schoolwide expectations; school-based multidisciplinary teams that analyze referral data monthly and adjust supervision or classroom strategies; additional school social workers and behavior technicians; student‑connection coaches funded by grants; and state VTSS coaches (William & Mary and VCU partners) who provide in‑school coaching and professional development.
Butler noted the division monitors recidivism (repeat referrals) and risk ratios for subgroups (e.g., students with disabilities) and said the division reports to VDOE when disproportionality appears. He also emphasized that PBIS is intended to acknowledge positive behavior and does not replace consequences where the code of conduct is violated.
Ending: The division said it will continue monthly monitoring and targeted coaching in schools where referrals or suspensions remain elevated, and it will use VTSS coaching and data to inform professional development.
