Board reviews discipline data: majority with 0–1 referrals, tardies top offense at Ashley Ridge

The board heard a student services briefing on discipline data and school-level responses, with principals and the student-services director describing trends and interventions.

Mister Doherty presented the data and said at the high school level "80%, only have 1 or 0 to 1 referral," with 14% having 2–5 referrals and about 6% having 6 or more referrals. Ashley Ridge principal Brooke Matthews said the school emphasizes positive referrals and noted tardies are the biggest offense there: "We have a lot of drivers. We have a lot of car riders... unfortunately, they are tardy to class sometimes." Matthews explained school-specific practices such as positive-referral programs (PBIS Rewards) and a morning-show recognition segment.

Middle school principal Ted Brinkley told the board that middle-school referrals are down from last year, "for mine, they're down almost, 50% from last year," and credited the Renaissance approach—rewarding positive behaviors and building school culture—along with increased communication with parents.

Board members asked for more precise breakdowns, including which offenses lead to hearings and the number of repeat offenders who reach hearing-level consequences. Miss Bates and other members asked whether tardies, cell-phone violations, or dress-code infractions are leading to hearings and what share of students are repeat offenders. Staff said the district will provide further data to clarify which behaviors are most disruptive to instruction and how disciplinary actions are being applied and tracked.

Next steps: staff agreed to supply additional breakdowns on offenses that result in hearings, recidivism rates, and outcomes of hearings (e.g., return to school vs. long-term removals).