Board reviews student code changes: cell phone, wireless devices, suspensions and Success Pathways

Brevard Public Schools staff reviewed a package of recommended updates Sept. 9 to the code of student conduct that respond to an earlier revision of the wireless‑device policy and seek consistency in suspension timelines and alternative placements.

Staff described two related device changes: (1) students in grades 9‑12 may use personal laptops, tablets or electronic readers solely for educational purposes with a teacher’s express direction and the principal’s approval; and (2) students in grades 9‑12 may use wireless communication devices (cell phones) in the designated front‑office area with principal approval. “Students in grades 9 through 12 may use their personal laptops, tablets or electronic readers solely for educational purposes,” said Dan Pier, a staff presenter.

Board members asked whether administrators could authorize device use at lunch or other non‑instructional times without requiring students to go to the front office. Staff clarified that laptops/e‑readers used for educational purposes may be used during lunch if a teacher or administrator approves; the front office provision applies specifically to wireless communication devices (cell phones) when the use is not instructional.

Staff also proposed standardizing suspension language for offenses that are listed as “pending investigation” and adjusting minimum out‑of‑school suspension periods to allow consistent handling during investigations. For some serious offenses the code now shows “out of school pending investigation” with a minimum five‑day out‑of‑school period to provide time for referral processing and hearings; staff said the change is intended to establish consistent timelines and reduce repeat processing.

The update clarifies how the district will use Success Pathways, an online alternative assignment program, for students removed from campus when behavior diversion is unavailable. Staff said Success Pathways is used in place of a separate alternative learning center and that second offenses for the same conduct may lead to expulsion consideration rather than a second Success Pathways placement. Board members discussed how the chart in the code displays options for first and second offenses, and staff agreed to clarify the chart to avoid misleading loops that would allow repeated short‑term online placements for recurring offenses.

Staff also described a problem‑solving team (referred to in policy drafts as a child study team) to address attendance, behavior and academic concerns. The team is not a fixed membership; staff said it is a school‑level problem‑solving group that typically includes at least four participants such as an administrator, counselor, teacher and a behavior or literacy coach depending on the student’s needs. “We do have some minimum standards like 4 people on there, but some schools may have more,” said a staff presenter. Staff said principals have discretion to convene the team and deploy targeted supports, and that a district problem‑solving guide and training resources are available for schools.

Staff said the recommended code changes will be posted for public hearing and are scheduled for board action Sept. 23. The meeting produced no formal votes; staff will return the revised code for public hearing and adoption at the next board meeting.

Ending: The board asked staff to clarify the code charts and the front‑office/device wording and to ensure the flow chart and the Success Pathways rules cannot be misread as allowing repeated short‑term online placements without escalation to expulsion where the code intends otherwise.