Lee Schools Code of Conduct update underway
The School District of Lee County plans to tighten up language in its 2026 Code of Conduct to help create a stronger framework.
Student Services Executive Director Dr. Colleen Timm said the district cannot write a rule for every behavior coming forward because there is always something new, but they can implement a manageable framework that engages in certain behavior.
“This is what happens to get back on track and move forward,” she said of what the code provides. “People want clarity and see consequences kick in to change behavior.”
The Tuesday presentation during the district’s workshop also touched upon the accessibility of the code for students and parents.
Academic and Student Services Regional Director Tammy Scott said 76% of parents have completed the beginning of the year forms within the first semester, compared to 62% last year. The code was clicked 2,000 times by parents during the first semester and almost 2,800 clicks by students.
“The code of conduct is definitely something that is sought after and easily accessibility,” Scott said.
The presentation went through proposed updates for the 2026-2027 school year.
The first is to clarify safety expectations for weapon-like items.
Timm gave an example of a 3D gun. She said the proposed update would give administrators the opportunity to address that in the same manner as a real weapon.
Another proposal is to strengthen the expectations for student conduct towards adults through reinforcing a safe and respectful environment for all staff.
Timm said they are ramping up consequences for students with aggression towards adults.
The modernization and alignment is also proposed for substance abuse – vaping, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. She said there is always something new, so they have added specific language between the activity and the four items.
The presentation which received the most discussion was establishing a review process for repeated alternative placement.
“The proposed update would be specific to students who are enrolling into our alternative program more than three times,” Scott said.
Timm said the code is to support positive and a supportive learning environment. She said they are very serious about once the district puts support in place that the expectation is it turns behavior around.
Scott said the principal will visit their students prior to returning back to their brick-and-mortar school to discuss what supports are needed prior to their return.
“We want to make sure the best decision is made,” she said. “We do have some processes in place to ensure our students are successful.”
Scott said they do not cold transfer a student, but rather facilitate a meeting between the home school and the new school to talk about the supports put in place.
“We really want our students to be back in their traditional high school. We want them to be successful when they get to that traditional school,” Timm said.