Yorktown board approves code‑of‑conduct changes on suspension interviews, substance provisions
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Summary
The board approved amendments to the district's code of conduct to permit designated assistant principals to participate in student interview/investigations and to expand language about substance use and counterfeit/synthetic/unauthorized prescription drugs. The changes were adopted after a public hearing.
The Yorktown Central School District Board of Education voted Tuesday to approve substantive changes to its code of conduct that clarify who may participate in disciplinary interviews and expand the district's language on substance use violations.
Superintendent Ron Hatter told the board the revisions allow school officials to designate an assistant principal to participate in interviews and investigative steps that previously were handled mainly by principals. "The principal and the superintendent are the only two positions in the school district that have the authority to suspend a child from school," Hatter said, but the code now clarifies that assistant principals may participate in the interview and investigative process.
Hatter also described edits to the drug and substance‑use provisions to address illegal substances, counterfeit substances, synthetic substances and unauthorized prescription medications on school grounds or at school‑sponsored trips. He said the language was reorganized for clarity and to capture a broader range of substances.
The public hearing on the code of conduct was opened and closed before the board moved to approve the changes by voice vote; the motion carried (Aye). The board indicated the changes will be reflected in the published code and in building‑level procedures for handling disciplinary investigations.