Committee advances state-required restorative-practices policy, schedules staff training

The Groton Board of Education policy committee voted unanimously on June 9 to send policy P5144.12, a restorative-practices response and student-discipline policy, to the full board for a first reading.

Denise, a district staff member, told the committee the policy is intended to keep students in school, reduce suspensions and strengthen community through classroom "circles" and tiered practices. "The focus is on strengthening community through the use of circles in classrooms," she said, and described the approach as prevention-first with tier 1, 2 and 3 interventions.

Denise and other administrators described professional-development steps: Groton staff completed a two-day training at LEARN in March, the district is working with Dr. Mari Ridington on curriculum and training development, and the plan calls for a district training session on August 28, when teachers return for district day.

Committee members asked how restorative practices work for different age groups and whether the policy would unintentionally limit disciplinary responses for serious criminal behavior; Denise said criminal violations would still be handled through traditional disciplinary and law-enforcement channels.

The motion to forward P5144.12 to the full board was moved by the committee chair and seconded by Andrea; the committee voted 3-0 to approve the motion.

Next steps: the policy will appear on the board agenda for a first reading and the administration will proceed with the planned professional development ahead of the school year.