Board reviews student code of conduct overhaul, SBAR reporting and cellphone enforcement; board asks principals for enforcement plans

The King George County School Board on July 1 received a presentation on proposed updates to the student code of conduct that would align the division’s discipline standards with the Virginia Department of Education’s Student Behavior and Administrative Response (SBAR) reporting system.

Dr. Wright, who presented the update for the division, summarized the change as moving from the current 12‑rule standard to six SBAR categories and the 88 detailed violations within them. “First of all, it it establishes expectations for student conduct,” Dr. Wright said while explaining the handbook structure and how tiered supports are intended to work.

Why this matters

The proposed change is intended to align local disciplinary language with the state reporting system so that incidents reported to VDOE match the local standards and the state’s violation codes. Dr. Wright explained the divisions will move to SBAR categories (which range from less‑serious classroom‑interfering behaviors to persistently dangerous behaviors) and use the state’s specific violation codes for reporting.

Key changes and consequences

- The division’s current 12 rules would be replaced by SBAR categories; the presenter said the SBAR system includes 88 specific violations across six categories. - Categories d, e and f (more serious infractions) include about 40 specific infractions that must be reported to the superintendent’s office for review; repeated or serious Category F incidents can trigger a “persistently dangerous school” designation and a state transfer option for students. - The presentation summarized Virginia law on suspension and expulsion authority: superintendents can suspend students for significant periods (up to 45 days, and, in aggregate aggravating circumstances, beyond), and school boards retain…