Cumberland County Schools officials reviewed revisions to the district student code of conduct for the 2025–26 school year during a Family Academy livestream, emphasizing a levels‑based framework, family resources and restorative supports.

Melody Chalmers MacLean, Associate Superintendent for Student Support Services, said the code is intended to be a guide for students, staff and families to maintain a safe, respectful and productive learning environment. "This code serves as a guide for all students, staff, and families in helping to maintain a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment," she said, adding that the code is "more than a list of rules. It's a framework designed to help students learn from their behavior, make positive choices, and stay engaged in learning."

What changed: presenters said the 2025–26 version includes a glossary of commonly used school terms to help families understand educational language and a new section offering general guidance for families of students in the exceptional children's program. The code organizes behaviors into levels to guide consistent responses, from redirection to more formal interventions when necessary.

Support and process: district staff described procedures schools follow when incidents occur — review, conversations with those involved, and communication with families — and emphasized individualized intervention plans and involvement of counselors and social workers when needed. The district said more serious behaviors may result in in‑school alternatives, short‑term removals or placement in structured programs while maintaining academic progress.

Clarifications: presenters said the full code is available on the Cumberland County Schools website and that printed copies can be requested from schools; they encouraged families to ask for help understanding parts of the code or to request translations.

Ending: officials asked families to review the code with their students and to partner with schools to promote a supportive school culture.