Dahl proposes tiered behavior supports and local EDP program to keep classrooms focused on instruction

Brett Dahl, the interim superintendent candidate, told a Humboldt Unified town-hall that the district needs consistent behavioral expectations, structured supports and better local options for students with high behavioral needs.

Dahl urged a districtwide character-education approach and consistent expectations across classrooms and common spaces. “We have to teach expectations. We reteach expectations. We also have to have appropriate consequences,” he said, adding that consequences are an appropriate part of school discipline when expectations have been taught.

He described a three-tiered approach to behavior — districtwide expectations (tier 1), increased supports (tier 2) and intensive placements or services (tier 3) — mirroring the tiered model he advocates for instruction. Dahl said some disruptive incidents originate on buses and noted ongoing coordination with the transportation team and school resource officers.

Dahl also described the district’s current arrangement of sending students to an EDP program in Mayer (the district pays for eight seats) and said special-education director Liz Rushton is working to establish an in-district EDP program so students can receive intensive behavioral interventions locally.

On parent partnership, Dahl said schools should involve parents in accountable plans and stressed convening principals, SROs and families to align supports for students.

No disciplinary-policy changes or formal action were announced at the town-hall.