During a recent board meeting in Oregon City, community members voiced strong opposition to the district's controversial policy regarding student cell phone use. A local resident criticized the board for its failure to implement effective solutions to manage distractions caused by cell phones, highlighting the $300,000 expenditure on phone pouches as a misuse of taxpayer funds.

The resident argued that the pouches, which require students to store their phones during school hours, unfairly penalize all students for the actions of a few. They emphasized that this approach undermines students' opportunities to learn self-regulation and could pose safety risks during emergencies. A recent incident at Rex Putnam High School, where students were advised to carry scissors to cut their phones out of the pouches if needed, was cited as an example of the policy's absurdity.

Students from North Clackamas shared their perspectives, expressing frustration with the pouch system. Many reported that they do not use the pouches, opting instead to keep their phones for safety and communication purposes. One student recounted how they were able to contact their parents during a lockdown, while others criticized the long lines to retrieve their phones at the end of the day.

The resident concluded by urging the board to reconsider its decision-making process and to explore more realistic and effective policies for managing cell phone use in schools. The meeting highlighted a growing concern among parents and students regarding the implications of the current policy and the need for more thoughtful leadership in educational governance.