McCordsville Elementary’s SAIL program, book-vending incentive and counseling supports linked to fewer behavior referrals

McCordsville Elementary leaders told the Mt Vernon Community School Corp board that a new SAIL program, schoolwide incentives and enhanced counselor supports are tied to a drop in behavior referrals.

Principal Stephanie Miller and staff presenter Brady described SAIL (Safety, Assertive, Integrity, Leadership) as a school identity and behavior framework that launched after a staff-developed pilot in spring 2024. The school’s parent–teacher organization purchased a book vending machine and initial inventory; staff award “doubloons” for positive behavior and students trade 10 doubloons for a book from the machine.

Brady, who helped design the program, said staff hand out two doubloons daily and the school has already seen student ownership of the program. Miller said the school implemented counselor-led lunch groups for new students, individual student check-ins and multiple tiers of behavioral supports. The school added a sensory path and a “reset room” to support students’ self-regulation.

Brady told the board that behavior referrals were down 18% for the 2024–25 school year compared with the prior year and that August referrals were down 29% versus August 2024. The school credited weekly data review by behavior technicians and targeted supports ranging from school readiness groups to tiered behavior action plans.

The presenters emphasized that the SAIL framework is intended to build belonging, encourage students to advocate for peers and provide concrete lessons on expected behaviors through signage and classroom supports. The board thanked staff for the report and praised the PTO for funding the vending machine and other supports. No new district funding requests were made during the presentation.