Rockford Public Schools presents broad revisions to student code of conduct, schedules board vote

David Grama, director of student services for Rockford Public Schools, presented proposed districtwide revisions to the student code of conduct during the Committee of the Whole meeting, and told the board the changes will be brought to the regular board meeting for action in mid‑March.

The proposed revisions aim to align the code with Illinois statutes, tighten language for bullying and physical aggression, move most drug and alcohol violations back to higher‑level disciplinary codes, and expand non‑punitive interventions such as victim impact statements, restorative conferencing and referrals to community treatment providers.

Grama said the revisions come after multiple stakeholder feedback channels this year: anonymous staff surveys, visits to all 37 K–12 schools, six meetings of a parent advisory group, and two community listening sessions at Auburn and East high schools. He told the board administrators also used discipline and equity data to shape the changes.

Board president Pearson asked about availability of bullying investigation and advocate forms at each school; Grama confirmed bullying investigation forms are available in every school office and may be reported to any school adult. He said the district has a “very robust” and consistent process for documenting and investigating bullying and for reporting outcomes to families and the state.

Key proposed policy changes described by Grama and discussed by board…