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Parents, teachers and students urge West Contra Costa Unified to reinstate Peacemakers program at Mira Vista
Summary
Dozens of parents, teachers and students told the West Contra Costa Unified School District board that Peacemakers — a campus-based conflict-resolution and leadership program — reduced suspensions and improved behavior at Mirror Vista and should be returned to campuses while the district finishes its investigation.
Dozens of parents, students and teachers told the West Contra Costa Unified School District board on Nov. 19 that the district should reinstate the Peacemakers program at Mirror Vista Elementary.
Liz Deans, a Mirror Vista parent, said the Peacemakers’ restorative approaches helped her fourth grader and urged the board to conclude the investigation that led to the program’s removal and allow the group to return. Teachers and family members gave repeated examples of students learning conflict-resolution skills, teachers reporting improved classroom behavior, and higher attendance tied to the program’s presence.
Multiple staff members testified that Peacemakers supported students with emotional regulation, coached younger students, and served as a trusted bridge between families and schools. Mariah Fowler, a fourth-grade teacher, said she had seen students “become leaders” through the program; Grady Carson, another teacher, called Peacemakers “allies to our most at-risk kids.” Hank Roberts, CEO of Peacemakers Incorporated, told the board the group’s model helped reduce suspensions and build community at Mirror Vista.
Speakers said the program’s suspension followed an investigation they described as unresolved in public remarks and asked the board for a prompt, transparent explanation and a timeline for reinstatement. Several public commentators described individual incidents of racial slurs on campus and said Peacemakers had been a key part of intervening and restoring safety.
Superintendent Cotton acknowledged the comments and said the district would look into the Peacemakers situation and report back. The superintendent did not announce a timeline at the meeting.
The public comment block on Peacemakers was one part of a longer public-comment hour that also included repeated testimony about special-education staffing shortages and contractor use (see related article). The board did not take formal action on Peacemakers during the Nov. 19 meeting; several speakers requested that the board prioritize an update to the community.
