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CMCSS presents first-read changes to 2026–27 Student Code of Conduct, expanding electronics ban and adding 3-D printed weapons
Summary
At a May 15 study session, CMCSS staff presented first-read proposals to the 2026–27 Student Code of Conduct that would broaden electronic-device restrictions to include wearable recording devices, bar unauthorized audio/video recording to protect privacy and assessment integrity, refine definitions for physical contact and fighting, and add 3-D printed weapons to the weapons policy. No vote was taken.
A district staff member presented proposed updates to the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System’s 2026–27 Student Code of Conduct at the board’s May 15 study session, describing a package of revisions intended to clarify offenses, protect privacy and align code entries with the state offense codes used in PowerSchool.
The presenter said the proposal would expand the electronics prohibition during the instructional day “to include eyewear or wearable devices containing electronic components capable of audio or video recording, live streaming, wireless communication, internet connectivity, artificial intelligence assistance or display of digital content.” The presenter added that "students are prohibited from unauthorized audio or video recording and photography during [the] instructional day" and that the changes are intended to protect student and staff privacy, maintain assessment security and ensure compliance with FERPA and applicable Tennessee law.
Other proposed revisions would: require parent contact after a second tardiness offense and a discipline referral on a third offense (with tardiness resetting each semester); broaden definitions of inappropriate physical contact so administrators can classify and address non‑aggressive, unwanted contact; move profane language directed at an adult from a category-two to a category-three offense; add language that treats instigating or recording fights that promote or escalate incidents as category-three conduct; and add 3‑D printed weapons to the category-four weapons definition.
The presenter explained changes to category-four consequences that would give administrators a 30- or 90-day remandment-to-alternative-school option for some offenses and require buildings to confer with level directors to maintain consistent application across the district. Staff also said it had aligned the code language with the state offense codes to support consistent entries into PowerSchool.
Board member Mr. Garland raised a separate operational concern during the public-comment portion, saying parents told him children had been suspended after defending themselves from bullying while the alleged aggressors faced no discipline. Mr. Garland asked how the code addresses those situations. The presenter asked board members to send specifics so staff could "dig into it." Dr. Luna-Vedder, speaking later in the meeting, also invited board members to share particular cases for follow-up.
The board received the proposals as a first read; no formal action was taken. Staff said the district collected input from department chairs, principal surveys, community stakeholder surveys, student advisory groups and teacher communication groups during the revision process and that the package will return for further consideration.
