A few changes to Eanes ISD’s student code of conduct are set to take effect during the 2024-25 school year, including the addition of a “levels” system to address varying offenses and suitable disciplinary action, and clarification on the misuse of district technology resources.
The board of trustees discussed the draft code of conduct during its special meeting June 4.
The gist
According to agenda documents, the student code of conduct is reviewed annually with revisions made as necessary. Three significant changes have been proposed for the 2024-25 code of conduct, including:
- Implementing a “levels” system that outlines offenses and corresponding disciplinary actions based on its violation level
- Language that acknowledges the district’s new police department and its role in enforcing the code of conduct
- The rule that threats of direct violence, such as shooting or bombing threats toward students, staff or district buildings, triggers an automatic Disciplinary Alternative Education Program placement
Per the code of conduct draft, each level has its own set of disciplinary actions.
- Level I violations include minor infractions, such as disrupting school activities, bringing items with offensive or prohibited images or words, tardiness or truancy, littering, trespassing, and repeated or severe dress code violations.
- Level II violations include serious disruptive behavior, such as possession of prohibited electronic devices, pepper spray or matches; improper use of telecommunication devices; cheating; harassment, bullying or cyberbullying; and vandalism.
- Level III violations include serious or persistent misbehavior, such as tampering with district documents; directing profanity toward another student or school personnel; insubordination; sexual harassment; possession of drug paraphernalia, ammunition or fireworks; and damaging or altering district electronic devices.
- Level IV violations include offenses that result in mandatory DAEP placement, such as shooting, bombing and terroristic threats; selling, delivering, possessing, using or being under the influence of marijuana, controlled substances or alcohol within 300 feet of school property or while attending a school activity on or off property; and engaging in false alarms or reports.
- Level V violations include offenses that result in expulsion or referral to the Travis County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program, such as possessing a firearm, knife or other destructive device; aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery or kidnapping; indecency with a child; and criminally negligent homicide, murder or criminal attempt to commit murder.
The context
General Counsel Audrey Shakra Hipp said most of the changes within the code of conduct are not required but her “strong suggestion,” saying the only item that could be considered state mandated is language surrounding the police department, as it did not exist prior to House Bill 3’s requirement to have an armed officer on each campus during school hours.
Something to note
The June 4 meeting served as discussion only on the code of conduct. The board could take action during the June 18 board meeting, where they will also adopt the fiscal year 2024-25 budget.
