The Decatur Public Schools Board of Education approved the student code of conduct and parent handbook for the 2025–26 school year on June 24, incorporating changes prompted by recent state legislation and adding provisions to address noxious smells on campus.

District staff told the board that about 90% of the revisions were driven by changes in state law affecting bullying and special education language. The agenda item also included a new policy addressing noxious smells that can disrupt classrooms.

When a board member asked whether a student who smells of marijuana could go home to change and return, district staff clarified the response will differ by grade level. “High schoolers will be allowed to go home and change. We're still going to call parents,” a district official said. “My grade schoolers, we're gonna call parents, but we don't want we're not penalizing anybody.” The district emphasized the intent is intervention rather than punitive discipline and said principals would use the district’s District Leadership Institute guidance and follow‑up procedures.

The board voted 7–0 to adopt the code and handbook. District staff said principals will receive updated guidance at the District Leadership Institute and that the updated policies will be communicated before the first day of attendance.