The Board of Trustees Information Session on April 10, 2025, spotlighted significant strides in addressing disciplinary disparities among students, particularly focusing on African American and special education students. Superintendent Stratton presented a monitoring report detailing progress on two key constraint measures aimed at reducing exclusionary discipline rates. The goal is to decrease the disparity rate for African American students from 11.35% in August 2024 to 7% by August 2029, and for special education students from 16.03% to 11% in the same timeframe.

Trustee Kaufman raised critical questions regarding the current data, noting that while the disparity rates are decreasing, the actual number of disciplinary actions has increased. Superintendent Stratton clarified that the overall discipline actions across all demographics have risen, with fighting being a significant contributor to this trend. The discussion highlighted the need for effective interventions and the role of cell phone usage in escalating conflicts among students.

Trustees expressed concerns about "shadow discipline," where disciplinary actions may not be reported accurately. Superintendent Stratton assured that measures are in place to ensure transparency and ethical reporting of disciplinary actions, emphasizing the importance of supporting teachers and staff in managing student behavior effectively.

The session also included updates on the district's strategic plan for special education, focusing on compliance with evaluation requirements and the development of high-quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The district has made notable progress in training staff and enhancing services for over 14,000 students receiving special education services.

As the meeting concluded, the board voted to accept the monitoring report, reinforcing their commitment to improving student outcomes and addressing disciplinary disparities. The ongoing efforts reflect a broader strategy to foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students.