District outlines staff safety and de-escalation training after equity audit

The superintendent summarized the district’s approach to student and staff safety, noting policies and an active district safety committee and describing training programs intended to reduce restraint use and improve de-escalation.

“As schools have progressed…we have more inclusion of students in our schools. And that, of course, comes with more students in our schools who have some challenging behavior,” the superintendent said as part of a multi-point update on staff training and supports. On specific trainings she described a restraint-alternative practice: “Ukuru is a training, that is specifically, on restraint free training,” and she said staff also receive Safety Care training focused on de-escalation strategies.

The board heard that the district has increased certified special-education staffing and added nursing hours to support students with individualized health plans. Leaders said those staffing adjustments and job-embedded trainings are intended to equip staff to respond to students’ needs while minimizing harm and preserving instructional time.

Board members asked for details about how training and staffing changes are tracked and how building leaders ensure the supports are available in classrooms. The superintendent said building-level teams are responsible for implementation and that the district will continue reporting on progress and needs as part of its ongoing work tied to the equity audit.