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Board adopts state‑mandated restorative‑practices update and amends bullying language in policy
Summary
The Stamford Board approved an updated restorative‑practices policy and an amended policy that updates the definition of bullying to align with state statute; one board member opposed the latter amendment and debate was curtailed before the final vote.
On May 27 the Stamford Board of Education approved district policy updates required by state statute, including an updated restorative‑practices policy and an amendment to the district's policy on transgender, nonbinary and gender‑nonconforming youth that incorporated a revised statutory definition of bullying.
Board members discussed implementation fidelity for restorative practices and said the district must ensure policies do not remain "empty" when events expose gaps in practice. The board approved the restorative‑practices policy update by voice vote.
On the amended policy that included the updated bullying definition, the board cut off extended debate and took a roll‑call. The meeting record shows the amendment passed with a majority vote and at least one recorded opposition. Several members emphasized that the amendment implements state statute language and that broader questions about facilities and athletics are separate policy discussions.
Supporters said the changes strengthen the district’s ability to intervene promptly on bullying. Critics raised parental‑notification and competitive fairness concerns; board leaders asked that detailed operational questions be handled at a committee level or in a second read if needed.
The district did not alter existing practice details at the meeting; the votes adopt amended policy language to align the district with state statutory updates.
