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Elk Grove Unified presents midyear spike in suspensions among foster youth, students with disabilities and African American students
Summary
District staff presented midyear discipline data showing modest overall increases in suspended students and incidents but larger percentage changes in small subgroups (foster youth, students with disabilities, African American students). Staff outlined MTSS, restorative responses and targeted supports to reduce exclusionary discipline.
Mark Cerutti and education services staff told the board that Elk Grove Unified’s midyear discipline review shows a slight districtwide rise in suspended students and suspension incidents but notable subgroup increases concentrated at particular sites.
Research staff said district enrollment rose to about 66,107 students and suspension incidents increased from 1,746 to 1,983 midyear. Presenters flagged increases among foster youth, students with disabilities and African American students and said in many cases a small number of students at specific schools accounted for much of the change.
“We are seeing increases in those situations,” Cerutti said, adding that concentrated incidents often indicate placement or systems issues rather than generalized misbehavior.
Staff described practices intended to reduce exclusionary discipline: stronger Tier 1 instruction, PBIS and SEL curriculum, expanded restorative practice and progressive discipline (gradual suspensions, conflict mediation), relationship‑mapping to ensure each foster and homeless student has a daily adult contact, and targeted training for paraprofessionals and site administrators. Anne Regaldi, special education director, said targeted program placement and timely evaluations are critical for reducing suspensions among students with disabilities.
Trustees asked for site‑level disaggregation, clearer presentation formats and tracking of in‑school exclusions that keep students on campus but out of class. Staff said a full data packet will be released to the board with school‑level detail and that they are piloting hiring and retention strategies for paraeducators to improve continuity.
The board recessed after the discipline discussion and a data packet was promised for follow‑up. No formal actions were taken on discipline during the special meeting.
