Hamilton County school board members will finally discuss the district’s long-awaited plan for handling student behavior and discipline issues on Thursday.
School board members received a draft of the new “Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline” last week. A committee of school principals, assistant principals and other district staff has been working it for most of the school year.
The 29-page document expands on the previous one, which is two pages long, and details the rights and responsibilities of students; the role of student athletes and consequences for a variety of infractions such as bullying and fighting; cutting class; alcohol or drug use; and violating cellphone or dress code policies.
Board member Joe Smith, of District 3, said he’s pleased with what he’s seen so far and is anxious to hear what his fellow board members have to say.
Smith is, however, concerned about enforcement and how the district will ensure that discipline looks the same across the county – something that it has struggled with in the past.