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School board hears handbook revisions: device limits, restorative-practices language added
Summary
Danville Public Schools staff proposed changes to the 2026–27 course/behavior handbook that remove an "optimistic mindset" chart, add restorative-practices language aligned to state guidance, and tighten rules on personal electronic devices — including a new expectation that families pay for lost or damaged district-issued devices.
The Danville School Board on Monday heard proposed revisions to the district's 2026–27 course and responsibilities handbook that refine behavior expectations and restrict personal electronic devices.
Miss Jones, who presented the update, said the draft removes an "optimistic mindset" chart and replaces it with restorative-practices language aligned with Virginia law and guidance from the Virginia Department of Education. "The restorative practices information has been added in the book," Miss Jones said, adding the goal is to ensure consistency across schools.
The update also clarifies rules about school-issued electronic devices and personal devices during the school day. "Students may not may not have headphones, earbuds or electronic devices on their persons while on campus," Miss Jones said at the meeting, and she added that "students and parents ... are required to pay for lost, stolen, or damaged school issued electronic devices." She said implementation guidance will be delivered by Chief of Schools JoEllen Hilton.
Board members asked about communication to families. One member urged extra outreach to ensure parents and guardians understand the new responsibilities; Miss Jones and another board member said the chief of schools will provide targeted guidance to school leaders and families before the handbook's approval. Miss Hairston (presenting related scholarship items earlier in the meeting) and the chair noted approval is scheduled after a July review period.
Why it matters: The changes affect classroom management and daily routines for students across the district, transferring financial responsibility for some device losses to families and formalizing restorative practices that could change responses to student misconduct.
The board discussion closed with no vote recorded on the handbook itself; Miss Jones said the revision will be presented for approval after the July review period and that school leaders will receive training to ensure consistent application.
