Auburn presents expansion of restorative-practices training for staff

At the Jan. 7 Auburn School Committee meeting, board member Keller gave an overview of the district’s restorative-practices initiative, describing both proactive (tier 1) community-building circles and reactive (tier 2 and tier 3) interventions used when harm occurs.

Keller said restorative practices draw on community-centered approaches and aim to build accountability, safety and social-emotional skill development. "The only way to get through something is to go through something," he said, describing circle work and student-led conversations about harm and repair.

The district has partnered with Suffolk University for training over several summers, training roughly 20 staff per session, and has developed internal capacity: two staff trained this past year now serve as in‑district trainers to scale tier‑1 work. The administration said tier‑2 training for 20 staff will be offered again next summer, with tier‑3 training reserved for counselors, school psychologists and administrators.

Keller emphasized that restorative responses are paired with appropriate school consequences when needed. He said the intent is to develop student responsibility and reduce the punitive distance between staff and students so disciplinary measures include skill-building and repair of harm.

Committee members asked whether the training is evenly distributed across schools; Keller said middle and high schools have had heavier initial participation but Bryn Mawr and other elementary sites are increasing staff participation. The superintendent confirmed stipends are paid to staff who train colleagues.