The annual discipline reports presented during the meeting highlighted trends in student behavior and the effectiveness of policies implemented across the district’s schools. Notably, Chatham High School reported a decrease in incidents of excessive tardiness and cheating but observed an uptick in physical altercations. The school has enacted several strategies, such as an updated cell phone policy and the hiring of additional class three officers, to manage these trends. The report also showed a decrease in academic integrity violations and confirmed Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) incidents, although physical altercations had increased. Programs like peer mentoring and school spirit events were discussed as proactive measures to improve school culture.

Chatham Middle School’s report revealed a similar decrease in confirmed HIB violations, with disruptive behavior being the most common infraction. The middle school has focused on educational initiatives, promoting diversity and respect, to address these issues. It was noted that race was a factor in half of the confirmed HIB violations, highlighting the ongoing challenge of race-related incidents in the school community.

Lafayette School reported a decrease in suspensions and confirmed HIB incidents, with the majority involving name-calling and insensitive jokes, often with a racial component. The school’s response included targeted lessons and assemblies on the impact of such behaviors.

For the younger students in SPS Washington and Milton, the presentations showed an increase in both suspension incidents and HIB investigations. Education efforts have been ramped up, including assemblies and character education programs, to foster a respectful and inclusive environment.

During the meeting, the topic of academic integrity was also discussed, with an emphasis on the role of principal discretion in handling violations and the positive effects of a new academic integrity policy. The board reviewed the implications of race-related incidents and weapons violations, considering the intent behind such actions and appropriate disciplinary measures.

Another discussion involved the ongoing lawsuit in which the school district was selected as one of the bellwether plaintiffs. The litigation aims to hold social media companies accountable for their business practices. The board’s attorneys provided a high-level update, including the variable timeline for the case, which could last anywhere from two to eight years.

The possibility of changing start times for middle school students emerged as a noteworthy issue, with high school PTO representatives advocating for later start times based on the benefits observed for high school students. The board took note of the research and community support for such a change.

Financial transparency was also a topic of public interest, particularly regarding the litigation and special education settlements. It was clarified that the district had not made any payments for the ongoing litigation, and details of special education settlements were discussed, including the range of costs involved.

Updates on the district’s infrastructure projects were provided, including the commencement of work on security vestibules and high school roof construction. Additionally, the Curriculum Committee discussed revisions to K-5 report cards, and the Personnel Committee talked about transitioning paraprofessionals to full-time and hiring processes.

The meeting concluded with personal news as one board member announced her decision not to run for another term, prompting expressions of gratitude for her service. The board looked forward to an executive session and invited a second round of public commentary to ensure community engagement and transparency.