Gwinnett BOE faces big decisions on budget, student discipline

The Gwinnett County School system has two fundamental questions to answer:

1) Will the district’s budget be used to put more resources next to the students?

2) Will the discipline system remain punitive or move to a restorative model?

The GCPS Board has to answer both questions quickly as they directly impact the ability of GCPS to attract and retain teachers. Teachers are the critical resource to the district and they stay or leave based on two main issues:

1) Knowing the number of students they are responsible for is manageable to ensure each student is helped as needed.

2) Having a defined and fully followed discipline process for aiding in classroom and building management.

Next year’s budget will answer question 1 if staff is added in all schools to interact and aid the students. A definitive statement on discipline policy is key for question 2.

CRAIG LOWNES, SUWANEE