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District officials point to large drop in suspensions and referrals after behavior supports rollout
Summary
District presenters told the Shelton School District board that multi-tiered supports, PBIS and expanded counseling partnerships have coincided with a 77% drop in suspensions over three years, large shares of students in Tier 1 supports, and fewer substantiated bullying investigations this year.
Superintendent Jesse and district staff told the Shelton School District Board of Directors that recent discipline- and behavior-focused work is producing measurable declines in exclusionary discipline and referrals.
Dusty Bridal and Chelsea Brady, presenting the district's "Safe and Welcoming Schools" work, described a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), and expanded counseling partnerships, including a relationship with True North. Bridal said "88 percent of students fall into that tier 1," and highlighted that at one school "430 students" had no referrals during the review period. Superintendent Jesse and staff said the district has recorded a "77% decrease in suspensions" over three years.
The presenters stressed the difference between being "mean" and meeting the statutory definition of harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB). District data cited by presenters showed 10 HIB reports last year with none substantiated, and five HIB reports this year with two substantiated; presenters said every HIB report is investigated and supports are put in place regardless of substantiation.
Board members praised the presentation and asked for clarifications on the data and interventions; one member noted that the data "reframe[s] the narrative" that behavior is out of control. Presenters emphasized that serious incidents still receive appropriate consequences and that the district is focused on reentry meetings to get students back into instruction as quickly as possible.
The board did not take action on policy or discipline changes at the meeting; the presentation was provided as an informational update. The district encouraged families with concerns to contact school counselors and noted that next week is National School Counselor Week.
The presentation items were supported by in-meeting slides and questions from board members; the district will continue to report outcomes as the programs are refined.
