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New Milford Board adopts restorative-practices policy and reviews district climate plan draft
Summary
The Board unanimously adopted Policy 5130 (Restorative Practices Response Policy) and reviewed a district climate improvement draft aligned with state guidance (April 2025 and Public Act 23-167), while members debated the subjectivity of the definition of 'challenging behavior' and the policy's name.
On July 15, 2025 the New Milford Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt Policy 5130, the Restorative Practices Response Policy, which formalizes a spectrum of responses from restorative conversations to more serious disciplinary options. The policy was presented by Superintendent Dr. Janet Parlato and Assistant Superintendent Ms. Holly Hollander.
Ms. Hollander said the district has been preparing for these steps for four years, with building-level climate committees and planned ongoing training. She told the Board the policy formalizes practices already in place and aligns district work with state guidance issued in April 2025 and public act 23-167.
Board members discussed the draft District Climate Plan, which will guide school-level plans due December 31. Mr. Dean Barile pressed for clearer definitions, saying the phrase "challenging behavior" is too subjective and asked whether "safe" refers to physical or emotional safety. Mrs. Sarah Herring expressed concern that a burdensome reporting process could discourage staff from filing incidents. Mrs. Wendy Faulenbach suggested reconsidering the label "restorative practices" because of potential negative connotations; Ms. Hollander and Dr. Kimberly Culkin said district staff have considered names and will seek teacher input.
The minutes record that the Board will continue work with building leaders to adapt the district framework locally; specific school-level plans and survey results are to be brought to the Board later in the year.
