Lawmakers and advocates hope to pass bill that implements Restorative Schools Pilot Program

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Legislators and advocates highlight the need for better conflict resolution tools for students in school by implementing the Restorative Schools Pilot program. On Wednesday, Jan. 22, a press conference featuring Senator Stella Pekarsky and Delegate Delores McQuinn happened at the General Assembly building in support of HB2196 and SB1262. Both bills aim to create the Restorative Schools Pilot Program by awarding grants to a district in each of the state’s eight regions. “This is a way to give them the tools to deal with these behaviors so that the child is successful, the classroom is successful, the educator is successful,” Pekarsky said. According to New Virginia Majority Policy Director Chloé Edwards, the key is finding the root cause of behavior when a student acts out or has a conflict with a classmate. They do this by promoting accountability for the students, repairing the harm done instead of handing out harsh punishments like suspension or expulsion. “The greatest gift personally that God has given us is young people,” said McQuinn. “If we can give them a second chance, who do we give second chances to?” The program proposes $1,990,000 to establish the Restorative Schools in Virginia pilot program with the purposes of developing an evidence-based restorative practice(s) schools strategy to improve school climate, foster student connectedness, positively impact student health and wellbeing. The program also aims to lower disciplinary rates and reduce racial disparities in school discipline. Funding shall be prioritized to districts who are not implementing evidence-based restorative practice alternatives. The breakdown is as follows: $960,000 -- $120,000 for 1-2 specialists per district $480,000 -- $60,000 per district to go toward stipends for restorative liaisons taking on additional responsibility within school districts   $400,000 -- $50,000 per district for training and technical assistance  $150,000 -- VDOE data and technical assistance Funding will be prioritized to schools who aren't already implementing restorative practices.  Former teacher Denise Harrington said traditional classroom techniques aren’t always the way to reach students with substantial circumstances. “All children are not the same,” Harrington said. “Many students who have experienced trauma and have not received counseling or other factors from home will bring questionable behaviors to the classroom with them.” Dr. Ram Bhagat who works with students at Martin Luther King Middle school knows exactly what resources can do to help a child succeed. “We have created a world class mindfulness room where we can teach students to be patient rather than push them into detention,” Bhagat said. Youth Leader Shiloh Tillman of RISE for Youth said this program is needed in every classroom in the commonwealth. “I hope this heals and addresses the root of the issues instead of reacting to a system's symptoms,” Tillman said. “The children are our future.” If both bills passed by the house and senate and are signed by Gov. Youngkin schools can voluntarily apply for the program and the Virginia Department of Education will establish criteria for the application selection process.