THE BRONX – An Eastchester middle school has done away with suspending students under the districtwide “B-21” rule.

New York City’s Department of Education recently released its school climate reforms. An issue at the top of the list was reducing suspensions for insubordination.

Cornerstone Academy Principal Bowman says they have been able to make the change without incident because teachers and staff focus on relationships with their students, reducing the need for suspensions. The principal says it is time that the entire school system does the same.

Principal Bowman says the DOE has come a long way in recognizing the need for more counseling and guidance in schools and less punishment-based discipline.