Dorchester Schools Deepen Mediation Efforts to Address Student Conflict

At its September 18 meeting, the Dorchester County Board of Education renewed and expanded its school-based mediation program by approving a new contract to address student conflict and social challenges that have persisted since valuable “developmental time” was lost during the pandemic years.

The $75,000 contract with the Easton-based Mid-Shore Community Mediation Center will help the school system’s mediation efforts begin to move from a reactive tool to something more embedded in school life, Mediation Center Executive Director Justin Acome said during his September 18 presentation to the Board of Education. 

Acome told the board that mediation is no longer just a tool for responding to fights but is beginning to function as part of everyday school culture. He said the approach is helping students rebuild relationships and learn how to resolve conflicts constructively, not simply avoid them.

He noted that the mediation process remains voluntary and confidential, which limits how broadly it can be applied. Still, he pointed out that the program has helped change the climate in participating schools. 

Many students continue to struggle with what he called a “socialization deficit” since COVID-19, when necessary developmental time was lost, Acome added. In his view, mediation offers a structured way for students to recognize the value of relationships and learn conflict resolution skills in a supportive setting.

The new contract will build on the existing mediation that has begun to “find its footing.”  More than just stepping in after a student conflict, it’s about getting into the space early and helping students rebuild relationships, and “not just avoiding conflict” but learning how to resolve them.

Acome acknowledged that mediation remains a voluntary and confidential process, which can limit opportunities to reach students before problems escalate. Still, he said the work has made a difference in school climate. 

Under the plan for the coming year, services will be concentrated at Mace’s Lane Middle School, while continuing to support Cambridge-South Dorchester and North Dorchester high schools, and the Dorchester Career and Technology Center.  Mediators will provide one-on-one sessions, student workshops, and maintain a more substantial on-site presence, aiming to intervene earlier and more consistently, he said.

While Acome praised the progress so far, he also said there is much work ahead, with regard to measuring results, expanding reach, and ensuring mediators maintain a consistent presence in county schools.