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Board discusses nine-week Phoenix reassignment for students found fighting
Summary
Superintendent presented a code-of-conduct change proposing a minimum nine-week reassignment to Phoenix Academy for students who engage in fighting; trustees sought details about counseling supports and family notification. The superintendent cited a drop in fights from over 400 to 149.
Superintendent Dr. Winborn told the Granville County Board of Education that the district will modify its student code of conduct to impose a minimum nine-week reassignment to Phoenix Academy for students who meet the district's definition of "fighting." He said the change is intended to protect other students and reduce incidents.
"We decided to make this change," Dr. Winborn said, adding that the district recorded more than 400 fights per year several years ago and that last year's total fell to 149 out of about 6,000 students. He said principals will retain discretion to consider mitigating and aggravating factors.
Board members pressed for details about supports at Phoenix Academy. Several trustees asked whether the site would have full-time counseling or social-work coverage and how the district would notify families. Dr. Winborn said he had spoken with staff about capacity and that the district plans to "overcommunicate" the change via principal messages, open-house talks and a superintendent phone/email message.
Trustees stressed the need to pair disciplinary placements with supports. "I share your concerns about making sure we have enough supports at Phoenix," Dr. Winborn told the board, and he suggested the academic committee and counselors will provide follow-up.
The board did not take a final, binding vote on policy language at the meeting; the discussion established the rationale, data and next steps for committee review and family notification.
