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District updates handbook: clarifies discipline offenses, adds gang-related language and references upcoming K–8 phone law
Summary
Board packet contained proposed handbook edits clarifying three level 4(c) offenses, adding gang‑related references including hand gestures and paraphernalia, and noting the state law that will prohibit cell phones in K–8 when it takes effect in a future school year.
District staff presented proposed revisions to the student handbook during the work session, including clarifications on discipline classifications, gang-related conduct and an explicit reference to a forthcoming state law on cell-phone restrictions for kindergarten through eighth grade.
Staff said three specific level 4(c) offenses — those typically referred to tribunally — were added to the discipline section to reduce ambiguity in tribunal cases and that the glossary was updated to add a felony definition linked to state law and to clarify terms used in those level 4(c) listings.
On gang-related policies, staff said the handbook adds references to hand gestures, colors and paraphernalia that might indicate gang affiliation and makes clear that gestures tied to a gang, when confirmed, can trigger the disciplinary consequences listed for that conduct level.
Board members discussed an upcoming state law that will require no cell phones in K–8 when it becomes effective in a future school year. Staff reported local systems are split on whether to restrict phones now or wait until the law takes effect; the district has piloted pouches at the middle school and said early results show reduced discipline incidents there.
Staff said the handbook changes will sit for review until the next board meeting and invited board members to submit suggested edits in the meantime.
