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Board debates student code of conduct change on cell phones; trustees back first‑offense parent notification, fee on repeat offense
Summary
Trustees discussed a proposed revision to the student code of conduct to standardize handling of confiscated phones; the board pulled the item for discussion and staff described middle‑school pilot results and a proposed approach requiring parental pickup on first offense and a fee for repeat offenses.
The Tallis Board of Trustees discussed revisions to the student code of conduct addressing confiscated cellphones and electronic devices. Board members pulled the code‑of‑conduct item from the consent agenda for separate discussion; Mr. Jones explained the proposed language would make parental pickup mandatory and clarify when fees are assessed so the same steps apply at each campus.
Mr. Jones and other staff told trustees three middle schools piloted a fee-based approach last year and reported collected fees of $50 (Hubbard), $395 (Moore) and $820 (Bolter). Administrators said Hubbard had higher compliance and that principals will use discretion when enforcement presents equity concerns. The district presented a compromise: no monetary charge on a first offense but parental notification and mandatory pickup; a fee assessment would apply on subsequent offenses to encourage parental involvement.
Board discussion emphasized training for administrators and consistency across campuses; trustees said principals must be prepared to implement the policy and that staff should coordinate communications with families. Speakers referenced parental‑rights provisions in state law while noting those laws are separate from the code‑of‑conduct revisions.
Staff said the proposed language will return to the board for formal action after administrators and staff finish implementation planning and grievance‑process updates; trustees did not record a final vote in the public portion of the meeting.
