SUMMARY OF CHANGES 2024-2025

Policies that are included in the Code of Student Conduct provide guidance and descriptions for the conduct of students, including misconduct requiring specific consequences. Changes are made to policy in order to provide further guidance and/or clarification to students, parents, teachers, and administrators regarding the education of students, appropriate behaviors, reporting of misbehavior, and consequences.

FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR RECOMMENDED CHANGES WERE MADE FOR THE FOLLOWING POLICIES:

Policy 5500.07 – Discipline

• Section III. Cell Phones and Other Wireless Communication Devices
  • Updated the Terminology.
  • Defined the new terms.
  • Delineated the acceptable use and storage of cell phones and wireless devices for elementary, middle, and high school students.
  • Outlined qualifying exceptions to the grade level parameters.
  • Moved and added to the clearly identified unauthorized use of devices.
  • Reworded responsibility and liability and made it a standalone section of the policy.

Policy 5500.08 – Misconduct that Requires Specific Consequences

• Simplified the opening paragraph of Section II. Tobacco, Nicotine, and Vaping.
• Updated Section III. Illegal Drugs, Alcoholic Beverages, Harmful and other Substances to reflect the new legislation regarding over-the-counter medications.
• Clarified consequences may result in reassignment to Educational Alternative Services programs.
• Added a clarifying statement to Section V. Dangerous Objects that no student shall possess, handle, or transport dangerous objects on school board property or to school-sponsored activities.

Policy 5517.01 – Policy Against Bullying and Harassment

• Clarified that parents of victimized students are notified of actions being taken to protect the student.
• Clarified that parental notification will be provided as needed and in accordance with law for the referral for counseling related to bullying and harassment.