In a public school paradox, New York City student suspensions have dropped in the first half of the school year while felony assaults have surged. New Department of Education data shows 9,193 suspensions from July through December 2025 — 8.3% less than the same period the previous year — but 109 serious assaults, up 5% from the 103 in 2024. The most severe form of discipline, a so-called superintendent’s suspension — which last six days or longer and are served in facilities outside of school — plunged even further. There were 1,608 superintendent suspensions in the last six months of 2025, 21.6% down from the 2,052 issued in the period in 2024. Suspensions are dropping in NYC, but assaults are slightly up. J.C.Rice City educrats pointed to restorative justice practices for the decrease.…