District 219 Weighs Stricter Code of Conduct for Students

Students in Niles Township High School District 219 could find themselves missing out on extracurricular activities for a variety of code of conduct violations, under proposed policies reviewed by the school board on Feb. 28.

But the penalties would not be as severe–at least at first–for student athletes or those involved in other extracurricular activities who get caught violating the policy on alcohol and drugs.

That raised concern from school board president Robert Silverman, who suggested that the penalties for alcohol and drug violations stay the same because it has been an effective deterrent.

“Both of my kids were terrified of going to a party that even might have alcohol at it” because they didn’t want to suffer the consequences, Silverman said.

The proposal must be brought up at a second meeting before the school board can vote on it.

Under the current policy, students who have alcohol and drug violations must miss a third of the games, performances or other opportunities to participate for the season in their respective activity. Violations range from supplying alcohol or drugs to other students to attending a party where alcohol is consumed by underage people, even if the student doesn't drink.

“Not only was that inconsistent, it was unfair,” said Niles North High School Principal Ryan McTague. “A student might get in a fight and be suspended out of school for 10 days, but not miss any games. That led to a policy that parents complained was unfair.”

The planned update would mean students who violate the code in any way–whether by fighting, stealing, bullying or engaging in any of the banned behaviors–will miss one-sixth of the performances or games for their chosen activity. That penalty could be cut in half if the student complies with requirements such as making restitution or attending counseling sessions.

Under the existing policy, students are banned from all further participation in extracurricular activities for the rest of their high school time after a fifth violation. The change would impose the harshest penalty after the sixth violation.

The extracurricular code of conduct would apply inside and outside of school, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, with the violations being cumulative over all four years of high school. The punishment is in addition to any school disciplinary action, such as suspension, for breaking school rules.

Many of the alcohol and drug violations that have come to school administrators’ attention in recent years have come in the form of photos--turned in anonymously--by people who may have an agenda that has more to do with keeping a student out of an activity than promoting their safety or welfare, McTague said.

Kaine Osburn, the principal at Niles West High School, said the extracurricular code of conduct would still be more stringent than similar rules in other school districts.

McTague agreed.

“We expect an increase in violations, and we anticipate students talking about it more,” he said.

Board member Carlton Evans said the proposed policy could be more effective because it is clear and easy for parents to understand.

“What I see is this policy holding all parties responsible,” Evans said.