The Henry County Board of Education voted June 10 to approve a revamped code of conduct after several months of study and soliciting feedback from the public.

Various guidelines regarding progressive discipline for “behavior detrimental to learning” were divided into levels based upon the severity of the offense, ranging from verbal warning to out-of-school suspensions to disciplinary hearings that could result in expulsion. A 30-day public review period produced a number of comments which were submitted to the board.

The project was motivated by public reaction to a January incident in which a middle school honor student received a 10-day suspension after paying for lunch with a $20 bill that he didn’t know was counterfeit. District superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis returned the student to class before the suspension began and ordered an immediate review of the entire code of conduct.

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Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com