Ramsey Middle School timeline

A combination of big changes in the St. Paul School District a year ago, plus its desire to keep unruly students in school rather than suspend them, has made discipline an ongoing concern:

Reports show suspensions are down as the school year ends, but teachers say behavior is not necessarily improving — and in some places may be worsening.

The school board adopts a new racial equity policy solidifying the district's commitment to rid itself of the "institutional racism" that may hold back students of color. The policy affirms efforts to erase the overrepresentation of black students among those who are suspended.

The Strong Schools, Strong Communities strategic plan launches in full with sixth-graders now part of middle schools and more special-education students and English language learners moving into regular classrooms. A lack of staff support is cited as behavioral issues brew at Murray Middle School.

Five teachers meet quietly with board members seeking ways to promote higher expectations of students and greater consequences for those who misbehave.

Parents storm school board listening sessions with concerns about disciplinary issues and fast-track mainstreaming of English language learners and special-education students.

The 2013-14 school year ends with suspensions up 63 percent in the middle-school grades — and 141 percent in sixth-grade alone.

Superintendent Valeria Silva, acknowledging a difficult year in 2013-14, convenes a group to review discipline-related issues.

Exodus of teachers begins at Ramsey as behavioral issues continue with no plan to confront them. Nine teachers leave by the end of November.

The same afternoon that parents plan to speak to the board about a lack of action at Ramsey, a letter goes out detailing a new "behavior support program" to be put in place there.