Guilford County Schools seeks public input on revised student discipline policy

The Guilford County Board of Education sent a revised student discipline policy out for public comment last week.

Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Leadership, Wellness, and Safety Anitra Wells said significant changes were made in response to new behavioral challenges schools are facing. 

"New social media technologies and vaping are just two examples of issues schools face that didn't exist the last time we did a comprehensive review of this policy," Wells said at a school board meeting last week.  

The district convened teams of principals, counselors, and central office leaders in June to revise the policy. The changes include new language related to students’ online conduct and procedures for responding to misbehavior by students with disabilities. 

“The updated policy also directs the superintendent to develop an array of supportive intervention services and strategies and urges schools to avoid exclusion from instruction unless there is a safety threat," Wells said. 

The public has until Nov. 16 to submit feedback on the revisions, which can be found on the district website. The Board of Education will consider the revision at its December meeting.

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.