Volusia outlines overhaul of student code of conduct; new cell‑phone ban for elementary and middle schools follows state law

Volusia County Schools officials presented a comprehensive revision of policy 208 (the student code of conduct) at the June 24 workshop, telling the school board the document was rewritten from the ground up to provide clearer definitions, consistent discipline levels and updated legal references.

"We've pretty much x ed out everything, and we've started from scratch," said Mr. McCall, the district's executive director for graduation assurance and student services, describing the rewrite as an effort to remove ambiguity and improve consistency across elementary and secondary schools.

Why it matters

The rewrite clarifies what constitutes bullying, harassment, trespassing and major versus minor fighting; standardizes documentation and notification timelines; and adds a framework for escalating repeated infractions. The changes also incorporate House Bill 1105, which prohibits elementary and middle school students from using wireless communication devices during the school day.

Key elements of the proposal

- Definitions and documentation: The revised code provides illustrated examples and explicit criteria for infractions so school staff and families can apply the matrix consistently. District staff said referrals should be documented same day where possible and parents notified within 24 hours.

- Bullying and off‑campus incidents: The policy requires that bullying be reported to school officials when it reasonably affects a student on campus, and that incidents be documented; school staff are expected to conduct timely investigations.

- Repeated infractions: The draft raises the penalty level when the same infraction occurs multiple times (for example, a third repeat of the same violation may escalate to a higher discipline level).

- Wireless communication devices (House Bill 1105): The draft aligns with the new state law: elementary and middle school students are prohibited from having cell phones visible or in use during the school day; high school students may use devices between classes and at lunch, or when a teacher authorizes it. Staff noted medical and individualized education exceptions will be provided for documented needs.

Rollout, safety and enforcement

Superintendent Carmen Balgobin and Mr. McCall described a multi‑step rollout that will include principal and staff training, communications to families and student‑facing videos produced by students to explain the changes. The district will conduct quarterly administrative audits and provide monthly discipline reports with the top infractions to each school.

On safety resources, Balgobin said the district is “fully staffing” safety positions and that regular FEFP (state funding) will be used to subsidize any categorical shortfalls: "We're fully staffing, per, and there hasn't been any reductions," she said.

Board feedback and requested edits

Board members requested plain‑language clarifications (for example, replacing internal committee acronyms with descriptive wording so parents understand consequences), asked the district to include language limiting district liability for lost or damaged devices that staff temporarily hold, and urged clear procedures for student clothing and dress code reminders ahead of the school year. Several board members urged that enforcement aim to keep students in class rather than create repeated instructional disruptions. Staff agreed to incorporate those edits and to build communication materials for families before school starts.

Ending

The draft policies for elementary and secondary student codes of conduct will be posted with the board agenda for advertisement; staff said they will incorporate board edits (plain‑language clarifications, exceptions for medical and IEP needs, and enhanced documentation requirements) before the board considers final adoption.