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Policy committee reports code of conduct updates and recommends two readings for policy adoption
Summary
The board's policy committee reported updates to the student code of conduct, new voter registration distribution requirements and proposed grading and regents-weighting guidance; the committee said district policy requires two readings before adoption.
The Riverhead board's Policy Committee reported March 4 on proposed updates to several policies, including the student code of conduct, student voter registration and grading practices, and said the district policy-development process requires two readings before adoption.
The committee report, presented to the full board, said the revised code of conduct includes new provisions on cell phone storage, vaping, discriminatory remarks, unauthorized use of personal technology (including AirPods) and use of generative-AI tools. It also adds a process for documenting student searches, modifies suspension periods and clarifies protocols for confiscated phones and the use of handheld metal detectors.
On student voter registration, the committee said high schools must distribute voter registration materials and allow preregistration beginning at age 16, and materials should be available twice a year. The committee also reported on a survey of other districts that showed regents exams are commonly included in final course grades, with reported weighting ranges of about 8.2 percent to 20 percent of a student's final grade.
The committee said it is discussing a proposed minimum floor of 55 for quarter grades to support student recovery and guidance for consistent grading in the 62-to-64 range; those topics will be discussed with teacher representatives and building principals before any policy change.
Why it matters: Updates to the code of conduct and grading policy affect students across the district and will shape enforcement, disciplinary procedures and grade recovery practices. The committee said the annual review of the code of conduct will occur each July.
Ending: The committee's recommendations will be part of the board's policy-development process; proposed changes will return to the board for formal readings and final action according to the district's policy schedule.
