BSD records drop in student suspensions

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/08/2024 (508 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Brandon School Division recorded a 45.45 per cent drop in student suspension rates in kindergarten to Grade 8 during the second semester of the 2023-24 academic year, Supt. Mathew Gustafson reported Monday to the board of trustees.

A total of 30 suspensions were handed out in K-8 compared to 55 in the same period last year.

For students in high school, suspensions dropped to 119 from 163 over the same period.

During the entire academic year, high school suspensions decreased to 298 from 311 the previous year, while K-8 suspensions fell to 48 from 87.

Gustafson attributed the decrease to various factors, including increased support for students and a focus on managing inappropriate behaviour more effectively.

“Some students needed additional supports, and if we can get those supports in place, that can reduce the suspensions,” he told the Sun. “Sometimes there can be other community events that start to affect their behaviours.”

Gustafson said with an enrolment of 9,900 students as of June, the suspensions involved only a small percentage of the overall student population, adding it is “hard to make generalities when discussing a smaller group of students.”

Despite the overall lower suspension numbers, he said a significant number of students continued to receive multiple suspensions during the school year.

“Of the 226 students that have received suspensions, 65 of those have received multiple suspensions,” he said.

“This trend is even more pronounced when considering the total number of suspensions in the academic year: out of 346 suspensions issued, 185 involved students who had been suspended more than once.”

At Monday’s board meeting, trustee Calistus Ekenna asked about the current trends in student behaviour.

Gustafson responded the division has seen a reduction in inappropriate behaviour among K-8 students.

“We did see an increase in assaultive behaviour at the high school level and a decrease in drug- and alcohol-related incidents,” Gustafson said.

Board chair Linda Ross also noted the number of suspensions often exceeds the number of students involved, due to multiple suspensions being issued to the same individuals.

“There are students who have multiple suspensions, so the number of suspensions is going to be greater than the number of students who are involved,” Ross said. “It does mean we’re looking at a relatively small percentage of our students, which, of course, does not negate the fact that they need those additional supports.”

In the first semester, a total of 197 student suspensions were handed out across the division, involving 150 students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

While suspensions are a last resort, Gustafson said they are a reactive measure following the violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Regarding preventive measures, Gustafson highlighted a multifaceted approach that includes wrap-around services, behaviour plans and communication with parents.

“The schools aim to address complex situations by providing support and assistance, intervening before a situation escalates to a point requiring suspension.”

Gustafson said there hasn’t been an expulsion from the school division for a long time.

“Instead, efforts are focused on providing support to students struggling with multiple suspensions, ensuring they meet expectations outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola