Tempe Union superintendent outlines restorative-discipline blueprint, committee to return policy updates

Superintendent Dr. Wilson told the Tempe Union High School District governing board on May 21 that the district is adopting a restorative-discipline blueprint aimed at reducing exclusions and improving student supports. He said the plan includes three implementation milestones, weekly and semester-level data reviews, targeted action steps on school safety and expanded professional development for staff.

Dr. Wilson said the district is moving "to a proactive culture" that centers restorative practices and improved communication between students and teachers. He described a committee that has produced recommendations and a dashboard the district will use to monitor trends and subgroup outcomes. The superintendent said the committee will propose an updated disciplinary matrix and accompanying regulations for board consideration.

Board members and staff emphasized monitoring and refinement: the plan calls for targeted interventions for specific student subgroups and strengthened escalation strategies so staff can intervene in-class rather than rely primarily on out-of-school suspension. The superintendent said policies and site-level onboarding will accompany the rollout.

The presentation did not include a final vote or adoption of the updated policy. Dr. Wilson said committee work will continue and that the board should expect revised policy language and regulatory changes at a future meeting. After public comment and member communications the board moved into executive session 5–0; no formal policy vote was recorded in the public transcript.

Why it matters: The district's stated shift toward restorative practices would change how staff respond to student misbehavior and could reduce long-term exclusionary discipline; the district says it will use data reviews and professional development to support the change.