Restorative measures are helping, specialist says
HUTTO — The number of disciplinary cases involving students is dropping in the Hutto Independent School District, officials report.
Kyle Ruggirello, director of student support and intervention, told trustees during the March 26 school board meeting “restorative” measures, not punitive sanctions, are helping turn things around.
“For the first time in several years, we can say discipline is getting better,” Ruggirello said.
Charting August to February of the 2024-25 school year, Hutto’s discipline referral numbers registered more than 40%, but for the same period this school year those numbers dropped to 20%, Ruggirello said.
At Hutto High School, the biggest disciplinary issues have been possession of THC — hemp plant resin that is the chief intoxicant in marijuana — and physical altercations, educators said.
Ruggirello said both have decreased drastically.
Last year, the district had 143 referrals for fighting, “but this year we’re down to 58,” she added.
New training for teachers and staff has shifted discipline measures from less punitive to what Ruggirello described as “restorative.” “That doesn’t mean we’re not holding students accountable (for their actions). Restorative means accountability with dignity,” Ruggirello said.
She explained restorative measures include students learning to rectify a situation, such as apologizing to teachers or classmates. “Seeing the numbers go down is encouraging,” said board Vice President Felix Chavez.
Board President Amy English agreed, but added, “I want to make sure that the district is helping students, not just striving for better numbers while the behaviors are still there.”
Ruggirello said the district had areas where it could improve, but she and Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin assured English the goal is not about the numbers but taking care of the learners.
Hutto ISD’s strategic and district improvement plans include the belief students will be more academically successful if their physical, mental, social, emotional and behavioral health needs are met, Ruggirello said.
School board meetings are held in the Administration Building Board Room at 200 College St. The next meeting is April 23.
The board holds a closed session at 6 p.m., followed by an open forum about an hour later.
Sessions can be streamed live or watched later at huttoisdtx. new. swagit. com/videos.
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“I want to make sure that the district is helping students, not just striving for better numbers while the behaviors are still there.”
— Amy English, Hutto ISD school board
