During a recent board meeting, key discussions centered around student enrollment trends, the certification of athletic coaches, and the contentious issue of cell phone use in schools.

The board received an update on student enrollment, revealing a modest increase of just two students since the beginning of the school year, following a previous rise of twelve. This stabilization is typical as the school year progresses, but it highlights ongoing challenges with student retention.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the newly implemented policy requiring certification for athletic coaches within 30 days of their hiring. The board reviewed five coaches who have successfully completed their CPR certification, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

The most heated topic was the policy regarding student cell phone use during school hours. A survey conducted among parents and staff at McCaffrey School revealed strong sentiments on the matter. Of the 300 parents who responded, 76% supported restricting cell phone access during the school day, citing concerns over distractions and bullying. Staff responses echoed these concerns, with 86% favoring a no-access policy.

Parents expressed a desire for their children to have phones available for emergencies, while staff noted challenges in enforcing the current policy, particularly during transitions between classes and at lunch. The discussion highlighted a need for consistent enforcement of existing rules, as many staff members feel overwhelmed by the ongoing issues related to cell phone use.

Concerns were also raised about the impact of cell phone access during recent online threats, with some board members questioning whether allowing phones contributed to student panic. The board acknowledged the necessity of balancing safety and communication needs, particularly in emergency situations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in addressing these issues and the need for a unified approach to policy enforcement in schools. The board plans to revisit these discussions in future meetings, aiming to refine policies that reflect the concerns of both parents and staff while ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.