Board approves Playworks recess program after debate over how it differs from restorative justice

The Merced City School District Board unanimously approved a contract to implement Playworks’ structured‑recess program in the 2025–26 school year after trustees and district staff discussed how the program differs from the district’s restorative‑justice work.

Dr. Ken Cooper, the district’s director of people services, told the board Playworks provides professional development, consulting and coaching that “transforms recess and other unstructured times into safe, inclusive, engaging environments through structured play, conflict‑resolution strategies and adult training.” He said the program is intended to train existing noon‑duty supervisors and other staff to run consistent games and activities so students who do not already know how to join in will be included.

"While restorative justice does reach out and work on behaviors with our students, it's not a restructuring of play practices," Cooper said, describing Playworks as a distinct curriculum of games and adult facilitation. He said the district expects to provide four consecutive in‑person training days at each elementary site and that the program will, in the first rollout, directly affect about 90 staff across the elementary schools.

Principal Daniel Perez, who said he had implemented Playworks at two prior sites, described specific benefits: "We experienced a dramatic decrease in aggressive behavior, a noticeable increase in pro‑social behavior," he said, and said recess had become a place where students practice social skills and step into leadership roles.

Trustees pressed staff on operational concerns, including whether Playworks duplicates restorative‑justice work, how training will be scheduled so sites are not left short‑staffed, and how the district will vet Playworks staff for on‑site work. Cooper answered that restorative justice focuses on responding to behaviors, while Playworks trains adults and students in structured play; training is conducted with students present and is intended to use existing noon‑duty supervisors rather than add adults to playground supervision.

Trustees also asked for a mechanism to monitor results. Cooper agreed to return quarterly with discipline data comparing the year before and after implementation and to solicit feedback from newly trained noon‑duty supervisors.

Trustee Brooks moved to approve the contract; Trustee Jeang seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The board’s action authorizes the 2025–26 Playworks implementation contract and directs staff to provide periodic updates on discipline indicators and program rollout feedback from noon‑duty supervisors and principals.