Kennett board adopts new student code emphasizing restorative, trauma-informed approaches

The Kennett Consolidated School District board voted Sept. 9 to adopt a new student code of conduct for the 2024–25 school year that emphasizes a multi-tiered system of support and trauma-informed restorative practices. Administration presented the updated code under board policy 2/18 and asked for approval; the board approved the motion by voice vote.

Why it matters: The document is presented as a districtwide framework intended to reduce punitive responses and increase supports for students, aligning disciplinary language with restorative practices and tiers of intervention. Administration said the code aims to create safe, inclusive learning environments and to address diverse student needs.

Board reaction: Several board members praised the aspirational tone of the document. One board member described it as “brilliant stuff” and urged that the district treat the code as a cue for broader practice change. The policy chair and administrators noted the code is new and will require continued review and alignment with committee work.

Key details: The code integrates multi-tiered systems of support and restorative practices (as presented by Miss Jones). The board confirmed the item as actionable and adopted the new code; no recorded oppositions or abstentions were announced during the voice vote.

What’s next: Board members suggested continuing committee work to align measurement and implementation practices and monitor outcomes. The adoption was closed with praise for the team that drafted the document.

Quote: “This is a document that says we are going to be something different and better…and it's going to be about less punishment and more supports,” a board member said during the discussion.

Ending: The board carried the motion; the district will proceed to implement the code and follow up through committee work and monitoring.