Board approves Character Strong renewal with tier-three supports after split vote

The Hartford J1 School District board voted June 24 to renew the district’s Character Strong and Purposeful People curriculum and add tier-three supports for students needing more intensive, individualized interventions.

Administration framed the proposal as research-based and focused on helping students reengage in class. Miss Eason, who presented the tier structure, said tier one provides universal instruction, tier two is a small-group intervention similar to reading small groups, and tier three is an intense, individualized intervention delivered by counselors or psychologists to move students back into the classroom. "Tier two is a small dose of learning to get them back into the classroom," Miss Eason said.

Administration told the board it had reviewed alternatives; officials said Character First did not meet the district’s review standards and had no qualifying studies in the evidence review. A board member argued the expanded tiering helps address attendance and engagement issues that pull students out of academic time.

During a roll-call vote the motion to approve renewal at a cost not to exceed $14,791.35 passed with three trustees voting yes and two no. The board discussion cited prior votes to adopt tiers in earlier years and framed the renewal as a continuation with an additional tier of targeted support.

The board packet included implementation details and projected three-year price-lock language in the proposal. Administrators said they will monitor implementation and the effect on attendance and classroom re-entry for students who receive tiered supports.