Superintendent Paul Cruz said that after analyzing the data, which proves discretionary removals as ineffective, he would be remiss to ignore the need for a restructuring of the district's policy.
"We looked at ourselves in the mirror and said, 'We need to do something about this,'" he said. "This does not reflect our values, and we need to step it up."
In the spirit of the district's commitment to social-emotional learning, instead of implementing punitive measures, AISD plans to invest in staff members and programs to strengthen its current support systems, which emphasize preventive measures. Implementation is scheduled for May 2017.
"The system we are designing is that if the principal feels something is going on with a child, hit the red button, and we will [send] people there to make sure the child is getting the support they need," said Edmund Oropez, AISD chief officer for teaching and learning.
In the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years, approximately 200 pre-K through second-grade students were disciplined via home suspensions. According to the district, these students were suspended most often for physical aggression toward another student, physical aggression toward adults, disruption of the learning environment, insubordination and rudeness toward an adult.
An equity assessment conducted by the district found that African-American students were suspended more often than their caucasian counterparts.
A debate over timing
Prior to the vote, it was discussed among trustees whether the policy needed more planning before implementation.
"In my mind if it is not if we are going to pass this ban, but when,” trustee Jayme Mathias said. "Today we have the chance to take the small step toward dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. Is today the best day to do it? Maybe it is best to be more thoughtful."
Trustee and board President Kendall Pace said that although she found the innate racial bias of discretionary removals unacceptable, she feared rash action would result in a larger issue.
"I, too, feel a ban without a plan is more dangerous," she said.
In his support for the ban, trustee Paul Saldaña stated that this is the district's chance to make a dent in the national trend of mass incarceration, especially in relation to African-American males.
"This is how we ensure that our students don't become a statistic," he said.
Trustee Cindy Anderson said the board should not refrain from approving the policy amendment in fear of effective implementation.
"We have to be willing to take the first step," she said.
Community support
Thirty community members appeared before the board to express their support for the ban. Former AISD student Yasmine Smith cited research that proves punitive removals are futile.
“To know that exclusionary practices don’t work and to not modify our practices is intolerable, reprehensible and just plain negligent," she said.
Community member Carrie Contey said the district should consider the developmental progress of young students.
"If you can reframe misbehavior as stress behavior and recognize they need help, that is imperative to their emotional well-being and the well-being of the community," she said.
Parent Trasell Underwood said her pre-K-age son has been suspended three times. She expressed her desire to work with teachers in implementing nonpunitive alternatives.
"Parents want to be a resource for teachers," she said. "We don’t want to just be relegated to being the person who comes to pick up the kids. We want to sit at the table with you guys, but we do understand teachers need that support in the classroom."
