Board debates changing discipline policy language to emphasize restorative, trauma-informed approach

Boardmember Dr. Betler proposed an amendment to policy J190 at the May 4 work session that would revise conduct language to avoid labeling students with terms like "offender" and instead describe behavior by level and corresponding interventions.

"The word offender labels the student rather than identifying behavior being addressed," Dr. Betler said, urging language that keeps "the focus on accountability, learning, repair, and appropriate adult response." The proposed revisions would align J190 with J191 and with a trauma-informed, restorative discipline framework.

Assistant Superintendent Cory Lner told the board staff had consulted the law department and had no reservations about the proposed language. Lner also said the draft preserves action-focused language so that the superintendent's evaluation reasonably assesses actions under the superintendent's control while also providing "the data to see if the strategies actually worked," referencing the annual action-plan reporting discussed elsewhere on the agenda.

Board members asked about how the policy change would affect day-to-day practice, whether moving language into administrative procedure would change operations, and how student-supports (including IEP and 504 considerations) and bullying investigations are tracked. Jeff Wright, who oversees behavioral supports, said the department tracks bullying reports, brings data to the district, and deploys support teams when patterns appear.

Staff said administrative procedures will be uploaded if and when the board approves changes on second reading, and that subsequent procedure changes would be communicated to the board. No formal policy vote occurred at the work session.

Next steps: staff will prepare administrative-procedure versions tied to the proposed policy language, ensure required trainings and reporting mechanisms are documented, and return the policy for formal board action if the board votes to advance it.