The Sherburne-Earlville School District is in the process of updating its student code of conduct. School officials hope to have a new code of conduct finalized by the start of the school year. (Photo by Shawn Magrath)

SHERBURNE – The Sherburne-Earlville School District is in the midst of a months-long process of updating its student code of conduct, an effort that school officials hope will give students a better overview of policy and expectations for the coming school year.

“In my experience working with young people, when they know what the expectations are and why those expectations are in place, then it helps them have a level of comfort and know what they need to do to be successful,” said S-E Superintendent Robert Berson.

S-E’s draft code of conduct has been reviewed, sized up, and modified by the school board several times over the last few months, each time taking into account feedback from students, parents, faculty and staff. The school aims to have a final draft approved by the board prior to the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

While every New York school is mandated to submit a code of conduct to the state board or education, it’s the details of S-E’s plan that makes it a stand-out among other local districts.

“Without having more detailed explanation as to why we do what we do, it presents questions for young people,” said Berson. “So adding more detail in our code of conduct and explaining why we have these expectations, our hope is that it will provide a clearer picture moving forward. It says this is what you need to do, and this is why you need to do it.”

Sherburne-Earlville’s draft code breaks student offenses down into four levels. Level one is for minor infractions, such as tardiness, dress code violations, or inappropriate language.

Level two addresses more serious offenses, like bullying or insubordination.

Level three is for “major disruptions of school order,” which could include fighting, selling or possessing illegal substances, threats, or vandalism.

Level four is reserved for acts that seriously endanger others. Level four offenses include use of a weapon, bomb threats, acts of violence on school employees, false fire alarms, or repeated level three offenses.

For each leveled offense, S-E’s code of conduct lays out possible consequences that range from written warnings or school community service for a level one infraction, to a school hearing or police notifications for level four offenses. Factors like age, circumstance, disciplinary record, and other extenuating circumstances are taken into account in each situation.

Berson said it’s all done with community in mind.

“What we’re looking to do here is build community,” he said. “One of the things that has been really clear going through the pandemic, which has created a lot of challenges for everyone, is that separation – because of distancing, because of isolation, because of masks – it really impacts that sense of community. We’re working diligently, intentionally and purposefully to bring back community.”

Berson said the Sherburne-Earlville School Board is still open to feedback for the school’s draft code of conduct. The board may adopt a final draft when it meets again on Aug. 29.

To learn more about the proposed changes or offer feedback email griffinj@seonline.orgor or call the district office at (607)674-7330.