District reports improvement in student behavior; administrators point to early intervention

District leaders told the board the district is on track to meet its student engagement and behavior goals and outlined practices administrators credit for steady improvements.

Emily Melstrand, director of student services, presented the semester report and said the district’s long-term target — that 85% of students fall in the 0–1 major disciplinary referral category and that 95% of students have five or fewer referrals — is being met. Melstrand highlighted that in the district’s focus area, grades 7–10, roughly 95.5% of students were meeting the 'be respectful' expectation.

Melstrand described a combination of measures that officials say are leading to progress: clearer expectations tied to the district’s West Bend Way pillars (be ready, be responsible, be respectful, be safe), calibrated administrative responses, earlier intervention when students struggle, literacy and behavior rubrics, and teams at school buildings that monitor students and adapt supports. She singled out Badger (the high school referenced) for a 4.4% increase in students in the 0–1 category over three years and gave additional statistics showing very low levels of physical contact, threatening behavior and major insubordination.

Board members asked how the district plans to transition sixth graders into Badger; Melstrand said building principals and staff are meeting to plan supports, adjust expectations, and phase in additional structures, such as ninth-grade study hall supports already in place at the high school.

No formal board action followed the presentation; trustees thanked staff and asked to be kept apprised as planning for grade configuration continues.