Caroline County Public Schools staff presented the Lotus Academy Alternative Suspension Center (ASC) as part of the district's Achieve 2027 spotlight, framing the center as a restorative alternative to traditional out-of-school suspension.

Presenters said the ASC emphasizes structured academic schedules, social-emotional supports and mentor-based interventions provided by community partners, with the goal of keeping students connected to classroom instruction rather than out of school. "The alternative suspension center provides an alternative education setting where students can stay on track academically, reflect on their choices, and access supports with social and emotional learning," presenters said. The presenters reported pilot numbers: the ASC was integrated into Lotus Academy last April and May serving 24 students (18 from the high school, 6 from the middle school), with continued participation this school year.

Board members asked for clarification on chronic absenteeism figures shown on the presentation slide; staff corrected the referenced school year (should be 2023–24) and explained the difference between pre-adjusted and post-adjusted rates after flex-time make-up sessions. "That was supposed to be from school year 'twenty 3, 'twenty 4," a staff presenter corrected. Staff explained that flex time allows students to make up attendance (3 hours = 1 day, up to a maximum of 15 days) and that some absences are removed from chronic counts after students attend flex time. The board asked that presentation slides explicitly annotate which figures are adjusted for flex time.

Presenters identified future ASC goals including stronger behavior interventions, developing a vaping and behavior management course available during placements, and continued collaboration with community partners to support student reengagement. Board members and visitors thanked Lotus Academy staff for the program and recognized the center's role in aligning to district goals for equity and student success.

What it means: The ASC is positioned as part of a district strategy to reduce chronic absenteeism and to offer students structured, supportive alternatives to suspension. Staff will refine reporting materials to make adjusted-vs.-unadjusted attendance figures clearer to the community.

Next steps: Staff will update presentation materials to flag flex-time adjustments and continue evaluations of ASC outcomes as implementation continues.