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Board reviews 2026–27 Code of Conduct, cites new state 'bell-to-bell' instruction rule
Summary
At a public hearing the board reviewed proposed 2026–27 code changes, including alignment with Governor Hochul's 'bell-to-bell' instruction policy and plans to publish English and Spanish copies by late August; a community member urged plain-language student and parent versions.
The Newburgh City School District held a public hearing on the proposed 2026–27 Code of Conduct, where Dr. Freeman Mack said the district conducted an annual review to update administrative details, clarify definitions and align the policy with state guidance. "So this is the annual code of conduct meeting... we refined policy language and definitions," Dr. Mack said as he described edits such as removing the term "orderly" and strengthening language around manifestation determinations linked to suspension.
Dr. Mack told the board the changes respond in part to state policy shifts, noting "Governor Hochul's new bell to bell policy" that will affect what the school day includes and restrictions on device use during instruction time. He outlined next steps: printing the code in English and Spanish, delivering copies to buildings by August 28, and building-level parent and student meetings during the first week of school to collect signed acknowledgements. A member of the public asked whether the district would publish separate, simplified parent and student versions. Community member Tracy Wallace said, "I'm wondering if you're gonna have a parent version, a student version, because it's hard for students to... sign the code of conduct and they don't understand a lot of it," and asked for a layman's glossary or abridged pamphlet.
Dr. Mack responded that the safe committee had discussed an abridged pamphlet and building meetings to review the code; a board member suggested town halls and surveys to walk families through scenarios. The board confirmed building administrations will track signed parental acknowledgements at the start of the school year.
