Appleseed's First "Cost of Discipline" Study Uncovers $11.3 Million Price Tag in Dallas ISD 

Removing 25,000 students from their home campuses in 2010-11 cost Dallas ISD more than $11 million, according to Texas Appleseed's new "cost of discipline" study released today. 

Appleseed and the Texas Organizing Project released the report in front of a Dallas elementary school slated for closure to save money.  "During this financial crisis, it is critical that every taxpayer dollar be spent wisely.  Spending $11.3 million on disciplinary measures that lead to grade retention, dropout, and increased juvenile justice involvement is not the best use of this money," said Appleseed Deputy Director Deborah Fowler.  Texas Appleseed is recommending that Dallas ISD:

• Close its Elementary Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, saving more than $1 million a year and keeping young children on their home campuses.

• Limit out-of-school suspensions to those instances that pose a threat to school and student safety.
• Require schools with high disciplinary referral rates to implement Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports, proven effective across the country in reducing disciplinary referrals, and at less cost.

Press release: TOP, Texas Appleseed Urge Dallas ISD to Change Expensive, Ineffective Approaches to School Discipline

Breaking Rules, Breaking Budgets: The Cost of Exclusionary Discipline in Dallas ISD  3.27.2010

Texas Appleseed plans to release additional cost of discipline studies for a half dozen additional school districts later this spring.