Stafford MSD adopts 2025–26 student code of conduct and new local policies on devices, admissions and library materials

The Stafford Municipal School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the district’s 2025–26 student code of conduct and adopted several local policy updates tied to legislative changes, including a new library-materials policy.

The code of conduct passed with a motion that added a procedure for disposal of confiscated cell phones. Trustees voted 7-0 to approve the code after trustees and administration discussed statutory changes and implementation. Attorney remarks summarized that multiple local policies on admissions, student activities and personal communication devices were revised to reflect recent statutory changes and must take effect before Sept. 1.

Superintendent Robert Bostic and district legal counsel reviewed several changes administrators said will affect day-to-day discipline and student services. Highlights discussed at the meeting included:

- Personal communication devices: The district will continue to restrict use of personal devices on campus, identify classroom “backpack zones” for powered-off devices, and authorize staff to confiscate devices used in violation of policy. The policy includes exceptions for IEP or 504 needs, documented medical directives and other legally protected conditions. The board specifically directed the addition of a procedure addressing disposal of confiscated devices.

- In-school suspension and vaping: District staff said the updated rules from the recent legislative session allow longer in-school suspension in extenuating circumstances; district leaders said they will avoid lengthy in-school suspensions when possible to prevent special-education compliance problems. There remains a distinction in disciplinary periods between e-cigarettes (administrative discretion) and vaping (longer removal periods identified in the code).

- Admissions and activities: Revisions to admissions (FD local) and student activities (FM local) clarify eligibility rules tied to concurrent enrollment and extracurricular participation.

- Library materials: The newly adopted policy (ESB local in the packet) is a multi-page policy covering collection development, parental involvement, procedures for challenges and annual review requirements.

District legal counsel (identified at the meeting as Attorney Langlois) told trustees the items stem from statutory changes that require board adoption before the start of the school year. Trustees moved and seconded the combined policy approvals and voted 7-0.

Motion and vote: Trustee (Hana Hosa) moved to approve the policies as presented; Vice President Jean Baptiste seconded. Motion carried, 7-0.

Administration said additional implementation guidance and related code-of-conduct procedures will be provided to principals and staff before policies take effect.