Board reviews proposed student code of conduct updates; debates cellphone ban, self‑defense language

Flagler County School Board members on June 17 discussed proposed revisions to the district’s student code of conduct, including changes to procedures around teacher requests to remove students from class, technology misuse, cellphone rules for K–8, and the standard for determining self‑defense.

Why it matters: The code of conduct governs how schools respond to disciplinary incidents, the documentation and appeals process, and the protections afforded to students and staff. Board members sought clearer, consolidated language because parents commonly consult the code first and may not read separate statutes or board policies.

Discussion highlights: District staff said the proposed revisions aim to align the code with existing board policy and state statutes and to make the document more user‑friendly for families. Board members asked staff to ensure that the document plainly states (1) when a teacher may request removal of a student and what immediate emergency removal authority exists for safety, (2) how parents will be informed, and (3) which administrators act as the “administrative investigator.”

Self‑defense language: Board members raised concerns about the current wording for “self‑defense” and “physical retaliation.” They asked staff to clarify the distinction so adjudicators can distinguish between immediate defensive actions (for example, grabbing an attacker’s arm to avoid injury) and retaliatory escalation (returning to attack after the threat has ended). Staff agreed to revise the wording and consider a tiered or multi‑review process for adjudicating disputed incidents so decisions do not rest on a single reviewer’s judgment.

Technology and cellphone policy: Board members discussed a recently passed law banning use of cellphones during the school day for kindergarten through eighth grade. Staff said the district will reflect that rule and recommended clarifying levels of technology misuse (level 1–3) in the code for consistency. Board members suggested adding hyperlinks or QR codes in public copies of the code to direct parents to statutes and related board policies, and staff said they would activate or add live links where possible and share survey feedback collected during the review process.

Teacher removal and appeals: The board reviewed the statutory process for teacher requests to have students reassigned or removed and the district’s administrative procedures for immediate assistance (for example, calling an administrator via a classroom safety badge). Staff confirmed that any teacher request to remove a student for ongoing reassignment must go to the committee established under statute and that the administrator is responsible for parent notification when removals occur.

Next steps: Staff will revise the code to clarify self‑defense language, technology misuse levels, parent notification process, and the administrative investigator role. The revised code will be returned for advertisement and public comment; staff confirmed they will share the survey responses and the links to materials with the board.

Ending: Board members emphasized clarity and consistency — both across schools and for families — and asked staff to return with refined language and links to statutes and board policy.