Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Discipline topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reviews proposed student code of conduct revisions including cell phone, recording and strangulation language
Summary
District staff proposed six changes to the student code of conduct for 2026–27: clarifying definitions, adding unlawful recording language, including strangulation in level‑4 battery, consolidating the cell phone discipline steps and clarifying exceptions; the board asked for clearer parent communications and additional procedural guidance.
Rockford Public Schools staff presented proposed revisions to the student code of conduct that administrators say reflect stakeholder feedback, recent trends and statutory requirements.
Mister Lawrence and Mister Grama outlined six language changes: updates to non‑discipline matrices (including superintendent contact info), a one‑page bullying form (no content change), new language to treat unlawful recording when non‑student/staff images are circulated as if they depict a student or staff member, adding audio/video recording of staff to disobedience language, clarifying and adding strangulation to physical aggression level‑4 violations for student‑to‑student and student‑to‑staff incidents, and tightening the district's existing cell phone ban by consolidating the current four‑step discipline process to two steps and enumerating exceptions.
Presenters emphasized that firearms remain an expulsion‑only offense under the Illinois School Code and that the code is meant as guidance; administrators said they will update an administrative addendum with written procedures on medical care, victim support and resources when strangulation occurs.
Board members pressed for clarity on forms for teen dating violence (administration agreed to add a specific reporting line), asked about safety plans for victims and aggressors (administration said safety plans could be used for both where appropriate), and raised concerns about low attendance at listening sessions (average attendance for community sessions was reported as three). Attorney Goldsmith explained the district's use of "expulsion in advance" agreements and said administrators are provided scripts when presenting agreements to families.
Board members suggested more parent‑facing communications (short video clips and social media) and simpler phrasing so families understand consequences and supports; administration agreed to explore those options.
No policy vote occurred at this meeting; proposed revisions will continue through the governance process and return for formal consideration.
