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District presents semiannual anti-racism report and discipline-disparity data; officials cite progress and continued gaps
Summary
District administrators reported 17 confirmed racial harassment or discrimination incidents from Aug.–Dec. 2024, counseling for all affected students, expanded restorative-practices training, and a decline in expulsions from 33 (2018–19) to 10 (2023–24); trustees heard discipline risk-ratio metrics and next steps to reduce disparities.
Monroe County Community School Corporation administrators on Jan. 28 presented a semiannual report on incidents of racial harassment and discrimination and an update on the district27s multi-year work to reduce discipline disparities.
Per policy 551A, the district reported 17 confirmed incidents of racial harassment or discrimination between August and December 2024 — nine at the elementary level and eight at the secondary level. Administrators said 35% of those reports came through the district27s Stop It app and 65% were reported to trusted adults in schools. District staff said counseling support was provided for all 17 cases and that there were no documented repeat offenders during the reporting period.
Doctor Finley and Alexis Harmon reviewed the district27s safe-and-inclusive schools model, which aligns restorative practices, progressive discipline and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) with mental-health services and culturally responsive professional learning. Harmon said 35 restorative-practices trainers have completed full training, 100% of educators have received at least introductory instruction on restorative practices, and approximately 696 educators have completed a full day of restorative-practices training.
Administrators also presented discipline-disparity metrics using a risk-ratio approach with a baseline year of 2018–19; the district set a goal of risk ratios at or below 1.25 by 2024–25. Doctor Finley noted one clear districtwide change: expulsions declined from 33 in 2018–19 to 10 in 2023–24. Officials cautioned that some subgroup calculations rely on small counts (often fewer than ten students) and can therefore fluctuate year to year.
Administrators described multiple next steps: continued professional learning, consistent monitoring of discipline data, deeper staff support to understand root causes of disparities, and continued emphasis on restorative and inclusive practices. Trustees asked whether gross counts decreased even where ratios remain elevated; administrators confirmed the districtwide decrease in expulsions and reiterated the need to examine both absolute counts and ratios to understand progress.
The presentation also highlighted student supports and community partnerships intended to increase reporting, student voice and belonging — including an Equity Ambassador group, affinity and peer-support groups, and partnerships with local community organizations.
