El Campo ISD board adopts summarized student code of conduct after extended debate

Trustees discussed and then approved a summarized version of the 2025–26 student code of conduct on Aug. 27 after an extended exchange with campus principals.

Trustee Ryan introduced the one‑page summary to make expectations easier for families to read, saying the document “summarizes it, brings it into a form that everybody can understand.” Principals and other trustees warned that converting the code into a prescriptive laundry list of infractions and automatic punishments could remove necessary discretion for campus leaders and create conflicts with campus handbooks and special‑education processes. One principal warned that a rigid list can “box” principals into inappropriate mandatory responses for complex situations.

Staff and principals identified specific additions in the new code compared with prior language: explicit rules on personal communication devices, newly added language on academic dishonesty that references use of AI, more spelled‑out discretion (and, in some cases, mandatory consequences) for nicotine delivery products and THC possession, and a clarified requirement that in‑school suspension placements longer than 10 days be reviewed every 10 days. Trustees debated timing and consistency with legal counsel and district handbooks and asked staff to further cross‑check the summary against the full code before broader rollout.

After discussion, Trustee McBride moved to approve the 2025–26 student code of conduct (the pulled consent item); Trustee Smith seconded the motion and the board approved it unanimously.

Trustees recorded that the summary is an addition to—not a replacement of—the full district code of conduct and asked staff to ensure the summary does not create contradictions with the full handbook or special‑education requirements.