The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board meeting on November 21, 2024, focused heavily on the ongoing discussions regarding smartphone policies in schools. Parents expressed their concerns about the current policy revisions, which they feel do not go far enough in restricting smartphone use on campus.

During the open session, a parent representative highlighted the efforts of a committee formed to address smartphone usage. They reported a strong community response, with 91% of 250 surveyed parents supporting a ban on smartphones in schools. The representative emphasized that the revisions presented by the district were still vague and placed too much responsibility on teachers and staff, rather than providing clear guidelines.

The committee proposed specific measures, such as the implementation of yonder pouches or digital lockers to manage smartphone use effectively. They urged the board to consider these suggestions and collaborate further to enhance student protection. The representative noted that while some changes had been made, they were not sufficient to align with broader trends seen in larger districts like LAUSD.

The board acknowledged the feedback and agreed to revisit the smartphone policy for further discussion. They emphasized the importance of continued dialogue with parents and community groups to refine the policy and ensure it meets the needs of students and educators alike.

In addition to the smartphone policy, the meeting included the appointment of board representatives to the College and Career Advantage Board and the establishment of the annual organizational meeting for 2024. The board unanimously approved these items, indicating a commitment to ongoing governance and community engagement.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's recognition of parental concerns regarding technology use in schools and the need for a more defined policy that supports both students and staff. The board's willingness to revisit the smartphone policy suggests a proactive approach to addressing these critical issues in the educational environment.