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District spotlights restorative-justice program as suspension rates fall at multiple schools
Summary
Restorative Justice League presenters told the Los Banos Unified board that circle practices and student squads have coincided with steep drops in suspension rates at multiple sites; board members praised student speakers and discussed possible district expansion.
The Los Banos Unified School District on Tuesday heard a multi-site briefing on restorative-justice work from Andre Griggs, founder and CEO of Restorative Justice League, who described a three-tier program of community-building circles, harm-repair mediations and reintegration supports now operating at the district’s junior highs and high schools.
Griggs told the board the program aims to “create a safe environment, an environment to foster effective learning for all students” by teaching social-emotional skills and supporting conflict resolution. “Behavior is a language,” he said, describing RJL’s approach to getting to root causes rather than relying solely on punitive responses.
The presentation included video testimony from teachers and principals and a series of student statements. Tom Lawrence, principal at Creekide Junior High, said the program has shifted his school from reactive discipline to prevention: “We think it’s vitally important for all of our students to experience the restorative-justice conference,” he said, adding that teachers are beginning to use circles in classrooms.
Student members of site squads also addressed the board. Faith Salgado, an eighth grader at Laspanos Junior High, said RJL helped her return to school and improve her grades: “They’ve really helped me a lot with my mental health,” she said. Other students described feeling more connected and more willing to resolve conflicts without escalation.
RJL and site leaders presented site-level metrics, which they framed as early results tied to the work. Examples cited included: - Los Banos Junior High: 364 circles through the third quarter, 800+ students reached; suspension rate reported to fall from 16.4% (2023) to 2.9% (2025). - Creekide Junior High: 251 circles reported and an indicated drop in suspension rate from about 14% (2023 baseline) to 9.8% (2025). - Los Banos High School: 355 circle groups and an indicated drop from 10.9% (2023) to 4.3% (2025). - Pacheco High School (first year on site): reported drops from 9.9% (2023) to 5.3% (2025).
Site specialists and principals repeatedly stressed that RJL’s efforts are collaborative, crediting counselors, wellness staff and administrators for implementation. Mr. Griggs told the board RJL provides site specialists who work full time at campuses and run classroom circles, mediations and reentry supports.
Board members responded positively and asked about sustaining the work and potential districtwide expansion. Trustee Katuso and others said they support starting RJL at the elementary level to build continuity through middle and high school.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation but publicly thanked the students and staff who spoke and encouraged continued monitoring of outcomes and next steps.
