The Charleston County School District in South Carolina is reporting significant improvements in efficiency and cost savings just months after replacing its traditional constituent disciplinary board with a new hearing panel system. The changes, implemented in April, were designed to create a more consistent and fair process for student discipline, and early data suggests the new model is achieving its goals.
Key Takeaways
- Charleston County School District replaced its constituent disciplinary board with a new hearing panel system in April.
- The new structure saves the district an estimated $600,000 annually.
- In the first three weeks of operation, the new panels processed 58 disciplinary referrals.
- The panels are composed of administrators and a community member to ensure diverse perspectives in decision-making.
Reasons for Reforming the Disciplinary Process
The decision to overhaul the student disciplinary system stemmed from concerns regarding the fairness and consistency of the previous constituent board. According to district officials, the old system was slow and could lead to inconsistent outcomes for students facing disciplinary action. The primary goal of the reform was to align Charleston County with practices used across the country that emphasize due process and equity.
Leah Whatley, a Charleston County School District Board of Trustees Member and Chairwoman of Finance and Audit, explained the value of the new approach.
"Everybody’s up to speed with what the laws are, and so you’re not going to see policy violations, violations of the law and violations of due process rights. So, at the end of the day, the value to the community is a peace of mind that your child is getting a fair shake," Whatley said.
The previous system could leave students in limbo, waiting for a hearing that Whatley compared to a trial. The new, faster process is intended to resolve cases quickly, allowing students to return to their educational environment sooner.
Background on School Discipline Reform
Many school districts across the United States have moved away from traditional disciplinary boards toward more streamlined and professionalized hearing panel systems. These reforms often aim to reduce out-of-school suspensions, ensure legal compliance with student rights, and apply disciplinary actions more consistently across a district.
A New Structure for Student Hearings
To replace the constituent board, the district established two new hearing panels. This new structure is designed to be more efficient and to bring a wider range of professional expertise into the decision-making process.
Composition of the Hearing Panels
Each panel is made up of three carefully selected members, each providing a unique perspective:
- A Certified Administrator: This individual has a background in education and school administration, offering insight into the academic environment.
- A Classified Administrator: This member typically has experience in areas like mental health or social services, providing a perspective on student well-being and support systems.
- A Community Member: This person offers a viewpoint grounded in the day-to-day realities of the community the district serves.
Ensuring Professional Standards
To prepare for their roles, all panel members underwent mandatory training provided by the State Department. According to Dr. Shavonna Coakley, the district's Associate Superintendent of School Support, key staff members received additional specialized instruction to ensure they were fully prepared.
"All of the members have gone to the State Department training to receive discipline hearing training for this school year. And two members, myself and another individual within my office, have actually had the hot topic and school law training over the last three weeks to make sure that we are really ready and prepared to support," Coakley stated.
Early Results and Financial Impact
Although the school year is still in its early stages, district officials have already observed positive outcomes from the new system. The most immediate improvements have been in efficiency and financial management.
Financial Savings
The elimination of the constituent board is projected to save the Charleston County School District $600,000 per year. Half of these savings ($300,000) will be directed to the district's general fund, while the other half will be used to fund the new hearing panels.
The increased speed of the new process is also a notable success. In just a three-week period, the panels processed 58 disciplinary incidents. This rapid turnaround minimizes the time students spend out of the classroom while awaiting a decision.
"Everything is now much more expedited. You’re not having children waiting on their trial basically with no due process," Whatley emphasized. She added that the streamlined nature of the new panels would ensure greater continuity in decision-making.
Focus on School Climate and Community Voice
While the new system is more centralized, district leaders maintain that it does not diminish the role of the community. Dr. Coakley addressed concerns that the change might reduce community input, stating that the focus has shifted toward creating a positive learning environment for all students.
"What we are more focused on is to talk about the CCSD discipline hearing process as safe and orderly school environments, but also making sure that our schools have a climate that’s conducive for learning," Coakley said. She explained that a key part of this effort is ensuring students can remain in school and learn effectively, which benefits both students and their families.
The inclusion of a community member on each hearing panel is a structural component designed to keep a local perspective integrated into the disciplinary process. As the first academic quarter concludes, district officials are looking forward to analyzing more comprehensive data to compare the new system's performance against previous years.
