Out-of-school suspensions in Indian Prairie School District 204 are down from last year.
At the latest school board meeting, administrators reported that of the 27,520 students enrolled in the 2018-2019 school year, 266 received an out-of-school suspension, which is less than 1% of the student population.
Though OSS numbers have continued to decline over the past six years, there is some disparity when it comes to black students when compared to other racial groups.
Out-of-School Suspensions Amongst Black Students
“Nine percent of the population on the data that you’re about to receive are African American students in the district, but 33% of them receive out-of-school suspensions,” said District 204 parent Maryann Sprinkle-Walker.
Out-of-School Suspensions Amongst White Students
By comparison white students, who make up 44% of the student population, receive 36% of OSS. Administrators said they are working with schools principals to ensure that no implicit bias is involved in any disciplinary decisions.
“Students are obviously being reviewed independently. And being able to be evaluated based on their behavior we saw,” said Assistant Superintendent of Middle Schools Brad Hillman. “I believe we are working to be able to make students and put them in the best position possible to be successful.”
School District 204 partnered up with 360 Youth Services for the third year, to help offer extra counseling services for students.
Naperville News 17’s Christian Canizal reports.
