On Monday, August 15th, teachers, students and other supporters  of Restorative Justice went to a school committee meeting at Dean Technical High School to fight for their program.

Earlier that year, students found out that the budget to support the Restorative Justice Coordinator position was cut. This position is important because it deals with the referrals they would get from the teachers or the administration. It also deals with the planning of circles, a technique the program uses to help evaluate a situation instead of immediately getting disciplinary action, and talk one on one with the student or adult in the situation and set up the time and dates of when they will meet with Restorative Justice.

“The budget that was cut was a grant that we used to have” said Stephanie Duque 18’. “When that happened we were all very upset because without that money we wouldn’t have that crucial position we need to work in the school, therefore possibly leading to the failure of the RJ program”.

The committee conference was all student lead. Along with Duque, Vianca Gonzalez 18’ and Tammy Vargas 18’  lead the meeting.

The meeting finished with the Mayor Alex Morse promising to try to find them room in the budget. Later that week, superintendent Dr. Zrike found funding for the program. The group was given funding for 6 months.

“I was so surprised” said Gonzalez. ”Without the funding, we couldn’t do anything! We’re all very grateful”.

Restoritive Justice is now looking for a person to fill the coordinator position during the day, thanks to the new budget.