Warren County School Board Considers Updates to Discipline Policies (Part 2)

During the Warren County School Board meeting, several student conduct and discipline policies were reviewed, highlighting the board’s commitment to ensuring a safe and orderly educational environment. The policies under review included:

1. JFC – School Conduct
2. JFCD – Weapons in School
3. JGD/JGE – Student Suspensions and Expulsions
4. JGDA – Discipline of Students with Disabilities
5. JGDB – Discipline of Students with Disabilities for Infliction of Serious Bodily Injury

Key Discussion Points

Inconsistencies in Expulsion Language

One of the primary issues discussed was the inconsistency in the language used across different policies regarding student expulsions for certain offenses. Specifically:

• Policy JGD/JGE mandates that the school board “shall expel” students for firearms and drug offenses.
• Policy JFCD and Policy JFCF use the term “may expel,” which implies discretion.

Board member Tom McFadden pointed out that this inconsistency could create confusion and legal challenges, as “shall” implies a mandatory action, while “may” suggests optional action. It was noted that the discrepancy might stem from varying interpretations of state statutes. The board decided to consult legal counsel to ensure consistency and compliance with state laws.

Board Member Tom McFadden questions the inconsistency in the policies.

Discipline of Students with Disabilities

Policies JGDA and JGDB address the discipline of students with disabilities. The board discussed the importance of aligning these policies with federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to ensure fair treatment and appropriate disciplinary actions for students with disabilities, particularly those involved in serious incidents.

Firearms and Drug Offenses

The discussion also covered specific firearms, destructive devices, and drug offense statutes. The board considered the nuances of these laws, including exemptions for educational purposes and scenarios where immediate expulsion might not be appropriate.

Board members and the public expressed the need for clarity and consistency in these policies. Suggestions included:

• Ensuring all related policies use the same terminology to avoid confusion.
• Clearly defining exceptions and special cases in the policies.
• Regularly updating policies to reflect changes in state and federal laws.

The board recognized the urgency of updating these policies to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Next Steps

The board decided to revisit these policies for a second reading in an upcoming meeting, incorporating feedback from legal counsel to address the inconsistencies. They emphasized the importance of having comprehensive and clear policies that protect students’ rights and ensure a safe school environment.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the policy audit agreement with the School Board Member Alliance (SBMA), aiming to review and update policies to ensure compliance and best practices. The motion passed, and the board members were tasked with collaborating with SBMA to identify and rectify any policy discrepancies.

Watch the Warren County School Board Meeting of June 26, 2024, in the exclusive Royal Examiner video by Mark Williams.

(Part 2 is covered in the video between 48 to 80 minutes.)