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Board hears proposed revisions to rights and responsibilities handbook, including device rules and MTSS additions
Summary
The administration presented revisions to the Newport News Public Schools rights and responsibilities handbook that add an MTSS infographic, behavior matrix, a parent communication guide and updated technology rules requiring devices be silenced and out of sight during the school day.
Administration presented proposed revisions to the Newport News Public Schools rights and responsibilities handbook for 2026–27, aimed at improving clarity, accessibility and alignment with current law.
Dr. Shayla Woodard explained the handbook was rebranded and reorganized, with improved navigation, section labels, visual tools and practical resources. Major changes highlighted included a clarification of expectations for personal electronic devices (the handbook "now reflects veil to bail expectations aligned with Virginia Senate veil 1 0 8," as stated in the transcript), explicit language that cell phones must be silenced and out of sight during the school day, a MTSS (multi‑tiered system of supports) infographic, a division‑wide behavior matrix, a communication guide to help families know where to begin with questions or concerns, and a discipline flowchart that describes how schools respond to behavior concerns.
Woodard noted the revision process included administrators, teachers, parents, community members and students and emphasized that the handbook is "not solely about discipline" but about communicating expectations and supports. She also answered board questions about parent rollout: administration will print handbooks for 10% of each school's population and make an electronic, translatable version available online in eight languages; administrators will receive training during summer academy and are expected to review the handbook with staff in pre‑service.
Board members asked about appeals and due process for disciplinary referrals; Woodard said a due process section is included in the handbook and that the handbook identifies who to contact at each level. Members requested an electronic copy and suggested communication features (ParentVUE reminders, links) to improve parent awareness. The board was asked to support the proposed revisions.
