Board discusses grant-funded 'alternative behavior coach' to reduce out-of-school suspensions

A staff member described a grant-funded "alternative behavior coach" role designed to keep students in school and focus on correcting behavior rather than imposing out-of-school suspensions, the board heard.

"This is, it's a mirrors what an in school suspension, but we're trying to correct the behavior," the staff member said, explaining the position will provide both academic instruction and behavior support while students are removed from their regular classroom. "They are gonna rather than an out of school suspension, they're gonna try to correct it." The staff member said the grant funds one position.

A board member asked whether the coach would work with multiple students in a separate setting and whether the role would include academics; the staff member confirmed it would and that the first step would be in-school support. The staff member also said a similar arrangement had been tried at another site in the district and that the district "saw an opportunity" to pilot the role.

"I like this idea. I hope we can move in other areas to have more more than just 1 site like that," a board member said, voicing support for expanding the program if the pilot proves effective.

The discussion did not produce a separate motion to approve the position during the open portion of the meeting; the board later voted to approve a package of agenda items that included personnel actions. The staff member and board members noted site placement for the position was not finalized.