Board approves revised language to clarify when off-campus conduct may result in discipline

The board on June 22 debated and approved revised policy language clarifying the circumstances under which off-campus conduct could be addressed by the district.

Miss Thompson, staff attorney, said the revisions were reviewed with outside counsel to stress notice and legal limits. She read the new clarifying sentence into the record: "any conduct including conduct occurring off campus or outside of school hours that causes or risks causing disruption school operations, school safety or well-being of students and staff may be subject to disciplinary action to the extent permitted by law."

Trustees asked several follow-up questions. Dr. Temple asked what "any other mode of transportation" meant; staff explained the intent is to cover district-operated transportation and bus stops and to ensure coverage for district-sponsored transport (for example, services provided under McKinney-Vento, special-education transport or other district-run vehicles). Dr. Kley and other trustees emphasized that any disciplinary response to off-campus behavior must meet the legal threshold of a significant disruption and that restorative practices and interventions are preferred when appropriate.

The board voted to move certain policies to second reading and approved one policy for first reading as amended; staff said the revisions are intended to put students and parents on notice while complying with legal limits.

Next steps: the policies will appear on the board's next agenda for second reading where final adoption or additional amendments can be made.