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East Central ISD presents revisions to student code, expands discipline discretion and adds virtual expulsion option
Summary
District presenters outlined changes to the student code of conduct: the $15 fine language was removed, campuses gain discretion on first-time e-cigarette incidents, off-campus serious offenses may trigger disciplinary action, and a temporary virtual expulsion program is available when alternative placements are full.
East Central ISD administrators presented proposed revisions to the district's student code of conduct that they said will give campuses more discretion in handling certain disciplinary incidents and create a temporary virtual expulsion option when in-person alternative programs are full.
During the presentation an administrator said the district "had to remove the language of the $15 fine," signaling the district will no longer assess that fee as part of the code. The proposal also gives campus leaders discretion over whether a first possession of revised or e-cigarettes requires placement in an alternative school; previously such placement was mandatory in some circumstances.
Administrators said mandatory alternative placement remains required for incidents involving delivery or sale of tobacco products on campus. For other removal decisions, the code requires documentation and a 10-day review process, including a conference to review the circumstances and next steps.
The district also described an expanded ability to discipline for "serious offenses" that occur off campus when those behaviors pose a safety threat to schools. Presenters said those cases can be treated as discretionary expulsions depending on the facts and the safety risk to students and staff.
To address capacity limits in alternative placement programs, the district outlined a temporary virtual expulsion program. Officials said the virtual option would provide affected students with coursework, devices and supports while they remain out of the in-person alternative program until a space opens. The district characterized immediate expulsions as "very rare and very unique circumstances" that still require a review and conference within 10 days.
Administrators said they are continuing to work with legal counsel and campus leaders as the district implements the changes and will return with additional guidance as state guidance and legal review is finalized.
Next steps: presenters indicated more details will be finalized with legal counsel and administration; trustees were being briefed so they could approve required policy changes in a future meeting.
