Board hears proposed 2026–27 code of conduct updates that tighten device rules, expand absenteeism responses and set AI guidance
April 22, 2026 | Newton County , School Districts, Georgia
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District staff presented recommended updates to the 2026–2027 Parent Information Guide and Student Code of Conduct that would change attendance practices, device rules and guidance on artificial intelligence.
Dr. Kenny summarized the draft handbook changes as informational items: chronic absenteeism will be defined as missing 10% or more of enrolled school days (excused or unexcused), and the district will strengthen early identification and MTSS-aligned tiered attendance supports. The presentation cited the need for prevention, intervention and attendance review teams to analyze root causes and develop plans.
On electronic devices, the draft clarifies alignment with board policy JCDAF and the Distraction-Free Education Act: personal electronic devices (smartphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, tablets, headphones and similar devices) must be powered off or silenced and kept out of sight for the entire instructional day for students in pre-K through eighth grade; exceptions include documented student needs tied to an active IEP, 504 plan or medical plan. The draft permits supervised educational use of personal devices for grades 9–12 at a teacher's discretion while continuing to prohibit unauthorized use.
The proposed academic integrity guidance requires students to own their work, to evaluate and cite all sources (including AI tools), to disclose how AI was used (brainstorming, editing, content support), and to use AI ethically — not to bypass learning or gain an unfair advantage. The presentation emphasized consulting teachers when in doubt.
The drugs rule language was updated to explicitly include hemp products, CBD oil, Delta and other THC variants, synthetic substances and items represented as drugs; discipline consequences described in the presentation remain a minimum 10-day suspension and referral to a disciplinary hearing, with mandatory law enforcement notification per Georgia law.
Board members asked whether the handbook changes would be incorporated into formal policy and requested training for staff on the device rules; presenters said the handbook updates are guidance that could later be incorporated into a formal policy and that training would be prepared.
Dr. Kenny summarized the draft handbook changes as informational items: chronic absenteeism will be defined as missing 10% or more of enrolled school days (excused or unexcused), and the district will strengthen early identification and MTSS-aligned tiered attendance supports. The presentation cited the need for prevention, intervention and attendance review teams to analyze root causes and develop plans.
On electronic devices, the draft clarifies alignment with board policy JCDAF and the Distraction-Free Education Act: personal electronic devices (smartphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, tablets, headphones and similar devices) must be powered off or silenced and kept out of sight for the entire instructional day for students in pre-K through eighth grade; exceptions include documented student needs tied to an active IEP, 504 plan or medical plan. The draft permits supervised educational use of personal devices for grades 9–12 at a teacher's discretion while continuing to prohibit unauthorized use.
The proposed academic integrity guidance requires students to own their work, to evaluate and cite all sources (including AI tools), to disclose how AI was used (brainstorming, editing, content support), and to use AI ethically — not to bypass learning or gain an unfair advantage. The presentation emphasized consulting teachers when in doubt.
The drugs rule language was updated to explicitly include hemp products, CBD oil, Delta and other THC variants, synthetic substances and items represented as drugs; discipline consequences described in the presentation remain a minimum 10-day suspension and referral to a disciplinary hearing, with mandatory law enforcement notification per Georgia law.
Board members asked whether the handbook changes would be incorporated into formal policy and requested training for staff on the device rules; presenters said the handbook updates are guidance that could later be incorporated into a formal policy and that training would be prepared.
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