Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Conduct topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reviews changes to secondary code of conduct, adds AI guidance and other student handbook revisions
Summary
Administrators presented proposed changes to the secondary code of conduct and student handbook including an academic dishonesty category addressing artificial intelligence, relaxed college-visit limits, revised attendance-excuse timing, removal of 'loss of credit' for absences, and allowance for carrying over-the-counter medications.
Administrators presented proposed revisions to the secondary code of conduct and student handbook that include new language on academic dishonesty and artificial intelligence, updates to attendance and college-visit policies, and guidance on over-the-counter medications.
An administrator introduced Eric Cavalli from the Rockford High School administrative team to describe the recommended changes. Cavalli said the handbook adds a prohibition on presenting artificially produced work as a student’s own and emphasized staff are preparing to teach students how to use AI as a tool while clarifying that AI-generated work must be credited. "Artificial intelligence... it's a new thing...we're working on making sure they understand that artificially produced work is not their own work," he said.
Other changes presented include removing a prior limit on college visits (previously capped at two), allowing excuse calls to be made after the student arrives at school when necessary, removing 'loss of credit' as an automatic consequence for absences, and permitting students to carry over-the-counter medications except in cases of misuse or sale, which would be handled differently.
Administrators framed the updates as student-focused and grounded in restorative practices; trustees generally expressed support and asked for clarifications about implementation and communication to families. Staff said the updated handbook will be posted on secondary building web pages if approved.
What happens next: The board discussed questions and indicated support for the student-focused changes; staff will finalize language and post the handbook online pending approval procedures.
