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Bedford School Committee approves unified handbook, including districtwide ebike and e‑scooter restrictions
Summary
The committee approved the districtwide student handbook and the bullying prevention and intervention appendix after a second read; the code of conduct is consolidated and the committee clarified implementation timing and delegated non‑code sections to the superintendent.
The Bedford School Committee on June 9 approved the district’s unified student handbook, including the code of conduct and the bullying prevention and intervention plan placed in an appendix.
Superintendent Schwang presented the second read and told the committee legal counsel reviewed an expanded bullying plan and recommended moving it to an appendix so it stands alone. He said the committee’s formal purview is the code of conduct and the bullying plan, both of which he asked the committee to approve as required by policy CHCA and state regulations.
Committee members asked for clarification about the handbook’s applicability and timing. Wendy Carlton emphasized that the code applies on school property and during school‑related activities; members asked whether provisions (for example, a new ban on ebikes and e‑scooters on school property) take effect immediately or at the start of the 2026–27 school year. Superintendent Schwang said technical edits will be completed over the summer, signage and enforcement will be coordinated with facilities and local police, and that some enforcement readiness is expected in the fall. He said the superintendent retains authority to approve handbook sections that do not pertain to the code of conduct.
The committee moved and approved the motion "that in accordance with school committee policy CHCA, the school committee approves the code of conduct section of the unified district‑wide student handbook as presented and the bullying prevention and intervention plan appendix," by roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously as recorded in the meeting.
The committee did not amend the handbook at the meeting; members discussed returning to the handbook for future technical updates and recommended an annual check‑in to review substantive changes.
