School Board Plans Bold Changes for Student Engagement

During a recent school board meeting, key discussions centered around the implementation of new policies regarding student cell phone usage and the establishment of board goals for the upcoming academic year.

Director Winela highlighted the potential financial implications of mandating the use of Yonder bags, which are designed to limit cell phone access in schools. With a price tag of $300 per bag, Winela emphasized the need for proactive measures to avoid being burdened with costs that the state may impose without funding. A pilot program is currently underway in middle schools to assess the effectiveness of such restrictions, with hopes of gathering student feedback on the impact of limiting personal electronic devices on their well-being and academic performance.

The board also discussed setting goals for the 2024-2025 school year. Five proposed objectives were presented, including enhancing board member leadership through certification, planning for future bond work, and developing action items based on key educational data points such as graduation rates and attendance. Additionally, board members are encouraged to engage with the community by attending school events and reviewing existing policies related to electronic device usage.

Another significant topic was the restructuring of public comment periods during meetings. A proposal was made to move public comments related to agenda items earlier in the meeting to allow for more meaningful discussions and to ensure that community input informs board deliberations before votes are cast. This change aims to enhance the engagement of community members and ensure their voices are heard in a timely manner.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these proposals and align them with the superintendent's goals, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing the needs of students and the community.