Calvert school board discusses proposed code of conduct changes

Student conduct has been a provocative issue regarding some Calvert public schools of late and the May 9 meeting of the school board reviewed the latest proposed policy changes.

Cecilia Lewis, the school system’s director of student services, noted Calvert reviews its code of conduct on an annual basis.

Lewis said in drafting the revised code her office received “an unprecedented amount of input” from a committee comprised of stakeholders.

One of the most discussed changes modifies the school system’s policy regarding electronic and communication devices. The proposed change states, “Students may bring cellular phones to school but are not permitted to bring other electronic or communication devices, such as personal laptops, because Calvert County Public Schools provides laptops to students in grades 3-12 and iPads for students in grades pre-k to 2.”

The policy revision also addresses cellphone procedures.

“Students may bring their phone, but once school begins, the device must be powered off — not on vibrate or silent mode — and must remain in a non-visible, secure location with noted exceptions in high school,” according to the policy.

“This is a really heavy load,” school board member Jana Post said during the discussion following Lewis’ presentation, in reference to what most school officials agree will be a challenging policy to enforce.

Post said the code should be clear on “consequences” for violations and “unacceptable use” should be articulated.

Post said the code should also specify that “smart watches” are not to be worn by students. Those devices have the capability of becoming a Bluetooth adaptor.

Lewis said 70% of the teachers who provided feedback requested “an adjustment of practices,” adding that cellphones “have become a major disruption.”

Board member Lisa Grenis expressed other concerns about the revised code, which she felt needed to include “consequences” for violations that are “age and developmentally appropriate.”

As an example, Grenis noted a middle school teacher was assaulted earlier in the school year and the alleged assaulter only received a one-day suspension.

The current policy allows “discretion in imposing discipline,” Lewis said.

“The professional judgment doesn’t always work,” Grenis said.

Later, during her comments, Grenis made a motion to revisit the school dress code, specifically to get hooded clothing banned from classrooms.

Student board member Jordan Hayes reaffirmed her opposition to changing the policy since allowing students to wear the hoods was more a question of comfort.

Grenis’ motion failed, however, the board agreed to send out a survey to school staff on their thoughts on a hoodie ban.

The revised code of conduct is available for public review on the school system’s website.