Maple Run Unified School District has been featured in a national case study by the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) for its district-wide success in implementing restorative practices. The study celebrates Maple Run’s commitment to creating schools where everyone feels heard, safe, supported, and accountable—values that have strengthened relationships and academic growth across all five schools.
After returning to in-person learning post-pandemic, Maple Run faced rising behavioral and social challenges. District leaders turned to restorative practices to rebuild connections and promote proactive, relationship-centered approaches to behavior and learning.
“We knew we needed to specifically invest our time and resources into a practice that was evidence-based and focused on establishing a proactive foundation for staff, parents, and students so that everyone could feel heard, safe, supported, and accountable,” said Alexis Hoyt, Director of Student Support Services.
Measurable Impact
85% of students meet the district’s behavioral benchmark of four major incidents or fewer—an improvement of 21% in three years.
89% of students report feeling positively supported at school.
Academic growth includes a 60% increase in literacy proficiency and a 255% increase in math proficiency.
98% staff retention rate and 70% of staff trained in restorative practices.
17% increase in students’ sense of belonging between 2021 and 2023.
Building a Sustainable Model
The district’s success stems from collaboration and intentional implementation, including the creation of restorative practices teams, a districtwide SEL–Restorative Practices team, and a five-year strategic plan to sustain and measure progress.
Hoyt notes that one of the greatest impacts has been clarifying what restorative practices truly mean: “It emphasizes the importance of responding to student and staff needs in a proactive and preventative manner, versus the misconception that restorative practices only play a role in situations of harm.”
Maple Run’s approach has made it a model for K–12 districts nationwide, demonstrating how restorative practices can improve school climate, safety, and academic excellence.
Read the full IIRP case study:
Maple Run Unified School District – Case Study (September 2025)