Caddo Schools Eye Discipline Changes on Phones, Vapes, Appeals 

Caddo Parish school leaders are looking at several discipline policy changes that could affect students and parents across the district. The discussion came out of a disciplinary committee meeting this week, and the recommendations are expected to go before the full school board in April. 

What Could Change for Caddo Parish Schools 

Caddo Superintendent Keith Burton told KEEL News on Thursday that the committee reviewed several areas at once, not just one issue. That included clarifying the cell phone policy, reviewing suspension and expulsion procedures, and updating how the district handles vaping cases. 

One of the biggest changes would be a cleaner definition of when the school day actually begins for discipline purposes. Burton said the recommendation is that the school day starts as soon as a student arrives on school property or gets on the school bus, and it lasts until that student leaves campus or gets off the bus. 

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That means the district wants to remove confusion about whether students can use phones before the bell or while riding the bus. 

Why Cell Phones Are Still a Big Focus 

This is not a brand new phone ban, but Burton said the district wants the policy written more clearly so it is easier to enforce across all schools. Louisiana law already restricts students from having phones on their person during the instructional day, unless an approved exception applies. 

Burton also said Caddo has seen strong results from the cell phone restrictions already in place. He said the changes have helped discipline, improved classroom focus, and even changed the culture at some middle and high schools. 

Vaping Rules Are Getting More Specific 

The vaping piece may be the most important part for many parents. Burton said school leaders want consequences to reflect what is actually in the vape device. 

In the past, cases often centered on nicotine or tobacco. Now, officials say THC and other controlled substances are showing up more often in vape pens. Burton said the district wants consequences that match the seriousness of the substance involved. 

He also noted that schools now use vape detection technology in restrooms to help alert administrators when vaping may be happening. 

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The big takeaway is that these are still recommendations for now. The full Caddo Parish School Board is expected to consider them in April. For parents and students, the next board meeting could determine whether these disciplinary clarifications become official district policy.