District reports drop in suspensions and details restorative practices and phone‑pouch rollout

Mike Jefferson, the district director of culture, climate and safety, presented the school safety data report covering July 1–Dec 30 and highlighted a decline in suspensions and several discipline patterns.

Jefferson said CHS recorded 37 suspensions during the period (28 in‑school suspensions), plus six fights and seven substance incidents, and that middle school suspensions totaled 26 with higher numbers of fights and restraints (noting restraints were concentrated in a disabilities classroom). Combined middle‑ and high‑school suspensions were down roughly 19.5% from the prior reporting period. Elementary schools had one suspension in the period reported.

Jefferson credited the district’s restorative practices rollout for some improvements and described the Yonder phone‑pouch program that removes student phones from classrooms during the day. He acknowledged the pouches introduce administrative time costs during the morning and afternoon transitions but said the policy has reduced phone‑related disruptions: “I definitely think that the Yonder pouches have administrators lost some time… but I definitely think it’s better investing it on the front end,” he said.

Board members sought specifics about in‑school suspension procedures and Saturday school; Jefferson said in‑school suspension includes a designated room, staff supervision and curricular assignments, and that the three‑hour Saturday detention remains but does not count as suspension.

Why it matters: the discipline figures, HIB investigation counts and the district’s use of restorative practices and phone‑management policies affect student time in class and resource allocation for special education and behavior supports.

What's next: Jefferson said the district will continue to analyze incidents and present full comparisons in the next reporting cycle and July report.