Superintendent outlines Connecticut school‑climate changes, emphasizes restorative practices
Summary
Superintendent Thomas Anderson briefed the board on a state legislative change to school‑climate rules, previewed implementation work with the Department of Education and described restorative practices as alternatives to suspension.
Superintendent Thomas Anderson told the East Hartford Board of Education on Dec. 15 that recent state legislation reshapes how districts will measure school climate and that the district is working with the Connecticut Department of Education to implement new accountability metrics.
Anderson said the change broadens the language around disciplinary issues and that the district is emphasizing tiered responses focused on teaching students to make better choices rather than relying primarily on suspension. "Restorative practices ... give other opportunities and alternatives about what it is that you do," Anderson said, describing options such as community service and other restorative responses that allow staff to teach students rather than simply impose punitive measures.
Anderson identified Caitlin Corey, assistant director for student services, as leading implementation of MTSS and rollout efforts so staff understand how to embed the new approaches. He said the district will continue conversations with superintendents and administrative teams to determine how metrics and terminology are operationalized locally.
The superintendent said the school‑climate work touches the district’s entire student population (about 6,000 students) and emphasized the importance of training and clarity before changes are finalized. The board and superintendent agreed to return with more detailed presentations in a future meeting.
