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Board hears plan to expand Cultural Connections, embed restorative justice and add coordinators
Summary
District staff proposed expanding Cultural Connections and embedding restorative‑justice practice across grades, recommending two full‑time coordinators to increase capacity and sustain culturally responsive services; board members pressed for clarity on preventive vs. reactive approaches and funding via Fund 80.
District presenters reviewed the Cultural Connections program history, demographic context and persistent disparities and proposed a capacity expansion to better serve historically marginalized students and families.
The presentation identified gaps in staffing and scope and said the district is exploring a comprehensive needs assessment and greater integration of restorative justice with Cultural Connections. Presenters said their vision included adding two full‑time coordinators to expand preventive restorative practices and daily on‑site support across elementary and other schools; funding for the proposal would be considered through Fund 80 and discussed in upcoming budget work sessions.
Board members asked how restorative justice would work at the elementary level and whether the approach is predominantly preventive or reactive. Presenters said the model has both aspects: it began as a reactive alternative to punitive discipline but now the district seeks to expand preventative circles and classroom‑level practice so staff can address relationship skills before incidents escalate.
Members also discussed sustainability and community engagement metrics; presenters committed to follow‑up work, including more in‑depth cost and staffing proposals for the board and continued stakeholder meetings. No formal vote was taken; staff indicated the item will be considered in upcoming fund‑80 and budget discussions.
