Board approves updated parent information guide and code of conduct, tightens bus discipline and testing rules

The Newton County Board of Education approved updates to the district's parent information guide and student code of conduct for the 2025-26 school year after a staff presentation and board discussion.

Tracy Blackburn presented the recommended updates, saying the review process began in January and included input from principals, teachers, parents, student feedback and central office leadership. Blackburn said the parent guide and code were revised to align with state guidance and district priorities.

Key changes highlighted by Blackburn include: adding smart glasses to the prohibited items list in testing environments; removing references to the Georgia writing assessment, the Cognitive Abilities Test and the Iowa assessment because the district will no longer administer them; updates to course names and state course codes; implementation language for Senate Bill 48 requiring annual dyslexia screening for kindergarten through third grade using state-approved universal screeners with parent notification of results; and updated grading practices tied to the revised K'5 report card.

Blackburn said technology-policy updates explicitly prohibit use of VPNs, proxy websites or tools designed to bypass Newton County Schools' security settings while on the district network. The code of conduct now includes cyberbullying in the definition of bullying and adds age as a consideration in addressing obscenity (Rule 41).

Board and staff emphasized new graduated consequences for school-bus discipline, with Blackburn saying the updates are intended to keep drivers and riders safe and consistent across ages. The presentation also called out targeted attention to violations involving tobacco, electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, illegal drugs and alcohol; Blackburn said violations of some rules may result in disciplinary action up to suspension at the administrator's discretion.

Board members expressed support for stronger bus conduct provisions. Superintendent Bradley underscored the complexity of bus drivers' duties and said it is "completely unacceptable" that drivers endure unsafe conduct; he said the revised provisions send a clear message about expectations and consequences.

The board then voted to approve the 2025-26 parent information guide and student code of conduct (Item 13F). The motion was moved by Miss Henderson Baker, seconded by Mister Anderson Bailey and approved by voice vote.

The district will communicate the updated handbook and code through onboarding sessions, the handbook, and digital citizenship training, and will provide additional school-level communications to families.