Board reviews draft 6–12 student code of conduct; hate‑based conduct flagged for stronger clarity

The Weston Board of Education reviewed a proposed 6–12 student code of conduct June 16 that pairs ranges of disciplinary consequences with restorative responses. The draft — adapted with help from another district — is intended as a concise guide families can use to understand possible responses to misconduct.

Tracy and building principals explained the chart lists a range of responses (detention, in‑school suspension, out‑of‑school suspension) and associated restorative steps (restorative discussions, possible restorative conferences). Board members asked staff to clarify minimum penalties in categories that the community found most concerning, especially hate‑based conduct.

The draft's hate‑based conduct section lists possible responses that may include up to 10 days in‑school or out‑of‑school suspension on a first incident, possible police referral and potential recommendations for expulsion. Administrators told the board the response must remain situation‑specific, but several trustees asked that the document include clearer minimums so families understand that meaningful discipline is possible even on a first offense.

Presenters also said that the restorative component often includes educational programs and preparatory work before bringing affected parties together in a restorative conference. Board members suggested adding explicit language about an educational element tied to hate‑based incidents so the discipline chart reads as both corrective and instructional.

Next steps: staff will revise the draft to clarify minimum ranges and to add explanatory text about restorative education and the connection to existing school climate and restorative practices policies. The chart was previewed for public review; trustees did not vote to adopt the code on June 16.