Why do we have a Student Code of Conduct? 

We have a Student Code of Conduct to help everyone understand what is expected of students concerning their behavior. This document also explains what happens if these expectations are not met and if rules are not followed. 

Does the Student Code of Conduct apply to all students? 

Yes, ALL students need to follow the Student Code of Conduct. 

Does the Student Code of Conduct apply to students when they are off campus? 

Yes, there are particular circumstances in which the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline may apply to off-campus behavior; therefore, the expectations and rules should be followed when students are off-campus. 

Can a School Resource Officer talk to my child if I am not present? 

Yes, but you must be notified 

Can a principal expel my child? 

No, Principals can suspend for ten days only.  Day greater than ten days must go through the Tribunal process to afford due process. 

What is the difference between a Tribunal Hearing and a Waiver for a student who violates the Code of Conduct? 

Tribunal Hearings allows the student’s evidence to be seen and heard by a hearing officer and a panel of administrators.  You will be judged strictly on the evidence, and previous incidences will be discussed during the discipline phase of the hearing.  You have the right to question the administrator and witnesses, to be represented by legal counsel (at your own expense), and to appeal the tribunal decision if you do not agree. 

Signing a waiver is an admission of rules violations, and the accused accepts the consequences without an appeal. The parent no longer has a right to a Tribunal Hearing, and the child is assigned to the alternative school, for a pre-determined time set by the principal. 

Can a student be disciplined for acts committed off campus, during holidays or summer? 

Yes. Richmond County Board of Education (RCBOE) has the authority to take disciplinary action regarding any off-campus actions taken by a student, where those actions could result in the student being criminally charged with a felony and where those actions either make the students continued presence on campus a potential danger or disrupts the educational process. 

Can serious violations result in serious consequences? 

Yes, the consequences can be serious, and can include detention, suspension, expulsion, and/or referral to court. 

My child was in a fight at school. How can I find out what actions were taken against the other student(s)? 

FERPA does not allow staff to discuss discipline actions taken against other students. 

Does the school system have the right to conduct searches? 

Yes, we want to make sure our schools are safe and secure. We have installed metal detection devices in all of our high schools. Lockers, desks, cabinets, and other school property can be searched. Searches of students and their belongings will occur when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the student has violated a law or school policy. 

What is the Board of Education’s position on drugs, weapons and violence? 

The Board of Education has no tolerance for drugs, weapons or violence in schools. 

If a student brings a weapon to school, will the student get in trouble with the school or police? 

Yes, bringing a weapon to school is a felony. 

Can students with disabilities be disciplined? 

Yes, students with disabilities may be disciplined for not following the rules just the same as children without disabilities; however, specific steps must be followed. Services required in the Individualized Educational Plan (I.E.P.), which include access to the general curriculum, must continue. 

My child was detained by the Department of Juvenile Justice at RYDC/YDC. Can he/she return to the zoned school upon completing the time at the Department of Juvenile Justice facility?

No, students returning from boot camps, incarceration, RYDC or YDC must report to the Deputy Superintendent, or designee, for appropriate transition before enrolling in the Richmond County School System. Note: The compulsory attendance policy of the State of Georgia applies to the Alternative Education Center and the students assigned thereto.
For more information, please see Rules 30 and 32 of the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline.

Can my child return to school after conviction of a crime or pleading guilty to a crime committed in the community and/or incarceration?

A student who has pled guilty to or been convicted of an offense and has therefore served a sentence in a correctional or juvenile detention facility and who wishes to return to school is required to report with his/her parents/guardians to the Office of School Climate/Deputy Superintendent prior to returning to school. These students may be referred to the Student Discipline Tribunal when the behavior could have or did result in the student being charged with a felony and/or where that behavior makes the student’s presence at a school potential danger to persons or property or which disrupts the education process.

For more information, please see Rules 30 and 32 of the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline.