Student Conduct Code Could Change

Penalties may change for Upper Dublin students who violate conduct contracts on and off of school property … but they may be less severe.

Upper Dublin School District Assistant Superintendent Robert Schultz, in a presentation this week, outlined proposed changes to the current code of conduct contracts for student athletes and those involved in student activities.

Most notably, the proposed changes include the addition of an introductory paragraph that says students involved in athletics and activities have an added responsibility to the school district and the community; the penalties for violating the code would also change. 

For an athlete, the first drug and alcohol violation would result in a 14-day suspension in which the student is required to attend, but may not participate in, all practices, games and team events. Previously, a student who violated the code was dismissed for the remainder of the season following a first offense.  The student and his or her parents would be required to meet with the high school behavioral health coordinator.

A second offense would result in the dismissal from the team for the remainder of the regular and post season. The student would have to sit through a drug and alcohol assessment and would not be eligible to receive a letter, post-season award or recognition for participation for that season. It would also not be reflected in his or her transcript.

A third offense would result in the loss of participation in the high school athletic program for the remainder of the season and the following three seasons.

For students in activities — namely marching band, indoor guard, indoor drum line and school productions — a first offense would also result in a 14-day suspension and a required meeting with the behavioral health coordinator. Also, students in the National Honor Society would be recommended for dismissal, as a student takes an independent oath when he or she joins that organization. A second offense would result in the dismissal from the aforementioned groups.

School board member Michael Resnick said he was frustrated with the code. While he said he agrees on having a code to deter students from making bad decisions, he said there isn’t a good way to provide consequences for those not involved in school athletics or activities.

“We basically don’t have the same hammer,” Resnick said. “The frustrating thing is that it is a bit discriminatory — if there’s [a student] infraction, it goes against those who participate, and those who choose not to, don’t suffer those consequences.” 

Schultz conceded that it could be construed as discriminatory, but said that he believes the first paragraph explains that students represent their school and the community ... and that lends itself to extra responsibility. He also said that a recent Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) revealed that students who sign a code of conduct are less likely to make decisions that might jeopardize their participation.

Superintendent Michael Pladus said while the code isn’t perfect, he supports it.

“We tried to modify the existing [code], making it less punitive and giving more chance for redemption,” Pladus said, “but if you’re out in the community and you choose to represent the school as part of an activity, you will be held at a higher level, and I support that.” 

The board will take up the issue at its next meeting, Monday, April 8 at 7 p.m.