Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety Student Conduct topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District shifts discipline approach toward restoration in comprehensive school safety update
Summary
District operations presented data showing disciplinary infractions are a small portion of the student population and described a districtwide shift from punitive discipline to restorative practices; board members asked for further subgroup analysis and continued focus on keeping students in school.
Tempe Union High School District staff presented the first part of the district’s comprehensive school safety plan, focusing on student conduct and an explicit shift from traditional discipline to restorative practices.
The presentation: Mr. McDonald of district operations told the governing board the district moved in the past two years from a “student discipline” mindset to a “student conduct” framework, treating many incidents as symptoms of larger issues and emphasizing restorative responses. He said the majority of conduct incidents do not result in punitive measures and highlighted that off-campus suspensions have decreased while restorative interventions have increased.
Key findings and data cited by staff: - The top five infractions across sites were listed as defiance/disrespect, fake paraphernalia, disruptions, unexcused absences and tardies. - Drug violations affected 101 students, “less than 1%” of the total population, Mr. McDonald said. - Out-of-school suspensions decreased from 31% to 25.6% (comparison of the prior school year to the current first semester), and restorative actions rose from about 58% to nearly 60%. - Arrests reported by schools decreased from three in the prior period to one in the current period; referrals were 16 previously and 15 this year, with most referrals ending in diversion (out-of-court resolution). - Disparities: African American students historically had higher representation in infractions; district data show a downward trend for that group, though McDonald said the district will continue subgroup analysis.
Student voice: The district convened focus groups; students recommended clearer communication and relationship building, more restorative opportunities, teacher training in de-escalation, incentives for positive behavior and wellness supports. Mr. McDonald said student feedback emphasized “humanizing interactions” and keeping students in school.
Board response and next steps: Board members praised the shift and asked for more breakdowns by subgroup and by specific special education categories. Board Member Gutierrez Miller requested a closer look at which actions remove students from the educational environment and asked to participate in future discussions. McDonald said the student conduct committee will review the discipline matrix, distinctions among infractions, and next steps in restoration and interventions; part two of the comprehensive safety plan (physical and psychological safety) will be presented at the April 16 meeting.
