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Rantoul schools to continue CARE program as district proposes full‑time Behavioral MTSS position
Summary
After a review of usage data showing concentrated and mixed short‑ and long‑term placements, the district will continue CARE at RISE Academy and recommend creating a full‑time Behavioral MTSS position to coordinate districtwide behavioral supports. The 2024–25 CARE staffing cost was about $181,000.
The Rantoul City Schools Board heard a data‑driven update on the CARE (Child Alternative Restorative Experience) program and a staffing proposal intended to make behavioral supports more consistent across schools.
Superintendent Dr. Woods told the Board that CARE has shifted from its original design as a short‑term alternative to suspension into a mix of short‑ and long‑term placements. He reported that in 2024–25 there were 168 total student attendance days in CARE, an average of 2.8 students per day, and 58 K–5 students accessed CARE; 36 of those students attended only once. The Superintendent said the program’s salary and benefit costs for 2024–25 were approximately $181,000, which he presented as roughly $385 per student per day when calculated against attendance days.
Dr. Woods said the district plans to continue CARE at RISE Academy for 2026–27 with one teacher and one teaching assistant, while evaluating how those resources can be used more effectively within a broader behavioral support system. He told the Board, “This recommendation is not intended to add programming, but rather to strengthen and organize existing efforts.” The proposal accompanying that comment is to bring a recommendation on April 16 to create a full‑time Behavioral MTSS (Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support) position to provide coaching, training and oversight of consistent behavioral expectations across all schools.
Board members pressed for operational details. Diana Mendoza asked who would supervise the new position; Dr. Woods said the reporting line had not yet been finalized because the role would work across all schools. Robin Vaughn asked what CARE staff do on days with no students; Dr. Woods said they check in with students in their home schools and support others who might need attention. Debbra Sweat asked whether the function could be outsourced; the Board heard it might be possible but would likely not be cost effective.
The district highlighted a concentration of use: nine students accounted for 57% of CARE’s total usage during 2024–25, and several high‑use students continued to show multiple exclusionary incidents. The Superintendent emphasized the district’s intent to shift from ad hoc placements toward systemwide consistency and oversight.
