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Danville reports declines in disciplinary referrals and suspensions; staff point to responsive classrooms and supports
Summary
Danville Public Schools presented year‑to‑date discipline data showing decreases across referrals, in‑school and out‑of‑school suspensions and hearings; staff cite responsive classrooms training, behavior specialists and reduced cell phone use as contributors.
Miss Deborah Harris and Doctor Cato presented the district’s discipline report to the board on March 6, comparing August–February data from 2023–24 to 2024–25.
Officials reported referrals decreased from 3,882 to 3,162 (a reduction the presenters described as "very significant"). Discipline hearings fell from 242 to 163; in‑school suspensions decreased from 1,012 to 836; out‑of‑school suspensions decreased from 943 to 814; and expulsions decreased from nine to five.
The presentation indicated decreases for males (down 588) and for Black students (down 1,251). Exceptional children (EC) referrals increased by 113; staff said EC cases would receive targeted professional development and supports.
Doctor Cato described prevention and intervention strategies credited with the improvement: a districtwide commitment to Responsive Classroom training, an expanded behavior support team, assigned behavior specialists at George Washington High School, a mental health liaison, partnerships with community mental health agencies, and an alternative‑to‑suspension program. Staff said the alternative‑to‑suspension program had served 90 students this year and reclaimed 157 instructional days that otherwise would have been lost to suspension.
Board members asked about causes. Trustees and staff pointed to improved cross‑department collaboration, teacher training, clearer expectations, hallway supervision and a reduction in cell phone access (use of pouches) as contributing factors.
District leaders said next steps include additional summer training on Virginia tiered systems of support, updating the student code of conduct, and continuing responsive classroom implementation.
