[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6542138,"mediaKeyId","3769805-318418cd89b2049168769cccaa317d9a","parentId",3769805,"title","South Pasadena board hears large public push to extend 'away all day' phone ban to high school; board considers splitting K–8 and high school policies","audioSeconds",8203,"startMs",3523000,"endMs",11726000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3769805-318418cd89b2049168769cccaa317d9a&start=3523&end=11726","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3769805-318418cd89b2049168769cccaa317d9a/thumbnail_3523000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6542138/California/South-Pasadena-board-hears-large-public-push-to-extend-away-all-day-phone-ban-to-high-school-board-considers-splitting-K8-and-high-school-policies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542138-d5b3b145a373415e13bcc9745bf5e33a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922856&Signature=CXpRY61FijSCl~I-VbmehodSdqA7BVMTcVJyyEBpOJIJOg3gmbgba6PX7TOcTDxkAK2xgCVdFCDxX6d~1Vrb01kgLrr-YlX30Yh4~UTt9FdyDGx6FST4iAI971fGtw~3fAJ9jlcTqmuTXKxLP4hHWfvCQruC8iy~u91zDiajV4ZxyP9DI~l1M42-ICNygslNQDSN2HxWfo7n~CqcP7z-jvz5XvgIrtR2cFYAXQ9BEaDwGdjW7ubag5gR1gA7o-iZPvcWJcjnNfl0fF3HLiCTVc4g64CrOzt~a1N5alNrg2-iPSz9yY88rgZ9xz7RFOA4OqV4FUHvOSm4vZo00zWg0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","South Pasadena Unified","date","2025-06-11T04:49:00Z","article","The South Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education spent more than two hours July discussing revisions to BP 5131.8 (mobile communications devices) after a sustained public comment campaign urging the board to extend the district's elementary and middle‑school ‘away all day’ phone policy to the high school.

A majority of public commenters asked the board to adopt an “away all day” approach at South Pasadena High School — i.e., students not carrying active phones during campus hours — arguing the policy would reduce distraction, improve social interaction and lower anxiety. Parents, teachers and community volunteers described petitions (more than 350 signatures reported by petition organizers), scholarship reliance for extracurriculars and student mental‑health concerns when phones are present. “I hope the board will adopt an away all day policy,” said Abby McCrae, a former teacher and parent who spoke during the visitor comment period.

The EdTech Committee, a group of parents, staff, students and administrators formed earlier this year, recommended keeping the current high‑school rule in place (phones off during instructional time; permitted at brunch and lunch) while preserving an away‑all‑day policy for kindergarten through eighth grade. The committee’s recommendation is before the board for action in a future meeting; state law requires districts to adopt device policies that include teacher discretion and medical/IEP exemptions.

Why it matters: California’s Phone Free Schools Act gives local boards the authority to limit or prohibit student use of mobile devices on campus but includes three statutory requirements the board must incorporate: full teacher discretion for classroom use, allowance for emergency use, and exemptions for documented medical needs (IEPs/504s or doctor’s notes). The committee and speakers repeatedly cited those statutory constraints while urging a stronger district standard.

What the public said: Dozens of parents and staff told the board they want a consistent K–12 standard. Commenters pointed to academic and social research, and described personal incidents — including filmed assaults and persistent social‑media harm — that they said occurred because students had phones available during the school day. Several students, alumni and staff described improved interactions at elementary and middle schools after implementing away‑all‑day rules there.

What the committee and administrators said: Committee members reported outreach to 13 nearby public districts and to principals at multiple high schools that had previously tried away‑all‑day policies. Administrators who adopted away‑all‑day earlier described operational burdens (phone sweeps, an increase in office calls from parents, the need to add clerical time) and fractured relationships with students while the policy was new. Several principals told the district that outcomes varied; some schools later relaxed their policies to allow use at lunch and brunch to reduce classroom infractions and administrative workload.

Board discussion and next steps: Board members noted wide community engagement and conflicting parent views. The EdTech Committee will continue work on social‑media education, implementation logistics, and supports for students with medical or IEP‑based exemptions. The board reached consensus to separate K–8 policy language from the high‑school policy so K–8 revisions can move forward while the board continues discussions about a high‑school standard.

The vote on the full policy is expected at a future meeting; the board discussed procedural timing and implementation concerns, including staffing and enforcement burdens and how exceptions (medical/IEP, emergency access and teacher discretion) would be managed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","South Pasadena Unified - 2025 Regular School Board Meeting June 10, 2025 (first 12 minutes no audio) - Jun 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The South Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education spent more than two hours July discussing revisions to BP 5131.8 (mobile communications devices) after a sustained public comment campaign urging the board to extend the district's elementary and middle‑school ‘away all day’ phone policy to the high school.","taxTitle","South Pasadena Unified, School Districts, California","taxId",65603,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6542128,"Board hears LCAP updates: new reading screener selected, phonics adoption, translation/interpretation clarified and new environmental science course",479,735000,1214000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3769805-318418cd89b2049168769cccaa317d9a&start=735&end=1214","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3769805-318418cd89b2049168769cccaa317d9a/thumbnail_735000.jpg","/articles/6542128/California/Board-hears-LCAP-updates-new-reading-screener-selected-phonics-adoption-translationinterpretation-clarified-and-new-environmental-science-course","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542128-f5850c17db52dbc7977482f83965744c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922856&Signature=X6OFwxQCxo9wIkfvO0i1xYGDcu6BiI3sHv-GdP69OLg70pvahBKz~ssKUZOn0z37E3sbIZjgzj-dl29tT0ZbngG~FeWo0hRDisB-GWbnI9ttTIvAlaMBqINUQj70rxxW5mWhWX0CVTex3Epx9~gxtssMDC6w6hkb5nzHKZnrRUV2cyMp-UvkCinTuBajw-V8DFNxpPEbYkakC3P3N7NLzKPDUMZ1ljJUCYUH0k1-dzJtw~LpouvksAJ3YGKHpuaelFh0FGAORagxqqgZ7ZqJS8HrjTClQ-Sq937Q97fcZQlkUKxOo7hkizXIA1QTueEgviTNyyIVBO7WF9fhtIpXZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff presented changes to the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and program updates for the coming school year, including assessment, curriculum and family‑engagement items.

Key changes staff highlighted included: the selection of a K–2 reading difficulty screener (committee recommendation to adopt Amira), the planned adoption of a comprehensive phonics program and an ELA program to support reading, and a new environmental science course for high‑school students (textbook placed in the lobby for public review). Staff told the board that the district will use screening plus progress‑monitoring tools to follow students more frequently than an annual check.

Translation and interpretation: staff said parent feedback prompted a change in LCAP language from “translation” to “translation and interpretation” to recognize the difference between translated documents and in‑meeting interpretation services; the revised language will be reflected in the LCAP.

Chromebook monitoring and classroom technology: the district will offer parent workshops on a Chromebook monitoring app called Custodio that allows parents to limit and view student activity on devices outside the school day. Teachers are using a classroom monitoring system for Chromebooks and have requested additional training; staff said more professional development will be scheduled next year.

Interventions and curriculum notes: Board member Mr. Ray praised the addition of interpretation services and said he appreciated the LCAP’s inclusion of social‑emotional learning metrics alongside academic measures. Staff discussed DreamBox usage declines and told the board the drop reflected teacher choice of alternative intervention products (e.g., IXL, Prodigy Math) and changes in home access after COVID rather than a student access problem. Staff said they plan to continue incentivizing consistent usage where appropriate because students who meet certain usage markers have shown strong CAASPP growth in math.

Career and technical education, internships and pathway data: staff noted that the CTE completion metric is required and can be hard to interpret (students sometimes take single elective courses rather than complete a pathway). Staff said the state is building a data pipeline to permit follow up on whether students who complete CTE pathways access related college courses, which would provide another measure of program impact. Staff also noted internships are returning as a district option and expressed hope for grant and PCC partnerships.

Action taken later in the meeting: the board approved the recommended K–2 reading difficulty screener (Amira) as an action item later in the agenda.","District staff presented changes to the LCAP, including selection of a new K–2 reading screener, planned adoption of new phonics and ELA programs, a new high‑school environmental science course and expanded interpretation services.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6542133,"South Pasadena budget presentation warns of shrinking COLAs, multi‑year revenue loss and continued reliance on one‑time funds to avoid layoffs",1616,1281000,2897000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3769805-318418cd89b2049168769cccaa317d9a&start=1281&end=2897","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3769805-318418cd89b2049168769cccaa317d9a/thumbnail_1281000.jpg","/articles/6542133/California/South-Pasadena-budget-presentation-warns-of-shrinking-COLAs-multiyear-revenue-loss-and-continued-reliance-on-onetime-funds-to-avoid-layoffs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542133-3c6ed639c0f9c66a0bd2b7b57311a421/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922856&Signature=FzVQqYDOCsQqNDUrGWn8fCmea~WBYiPiHzilmW8aADO-cA66IjEzbMp0B-AnCH5w6CR6y1MNbaofNobI9A~XqCpFPRmhF1xDImZKXkIAqiZ7dksG05ld90hKUx3qSlwXCa2my75IIPu-~JOV~0O3aJqMQbcfmvvHR0RzoeRykPQ7naDdMsh~wDEXGYzO8osP3b7PJKvA55LiOez21vdTg3PfluJNT7U-7F91p~pjqnYIXB72I0ucjuvYdR6kmdoEN4NitQZrVZmfDL1f0aJv2pHUOJ64hmJ71qXR1PYAlA3JjLuxqbOOjmrICwn0Kh14Ej5kR1pax7nZ9qGx59mx6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff presented the fiscal assumptions and multi‑year projections underpinning the 2025‑26 adopted budget, stressing that reductions in state cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLAs), declining enrollment and rising benefit costs have pushed the district into structural deficits.

Staff summarized how state budget revisions affected planning: when the district adopted its 2024‑25 budget it assumed a 4% COLA, but subsequent revisions reduced that to 1% for the year, creating an immediate revenue shortfall staff estimated at about $1.8 million. For the 2025‑26 adopted budget, staff reported the January proposal trimmed an assumed 3.94% COLA to 2.43% and the May revision further reduced it to 2.3% — a change staff said equated to approximately $1 million less than earlier projections. Over multiple years these reductions compound; staff placed the multi‑year revenue erosion in the millions.

To bridge current deficits staff outlined actions taken and planned: reductions to contributions for textbooks, deferred maintenance and retiree contributions (about $750,000), reductions in site and custodial staffing (0.8 FTE at secondary, 1.0 FTE custodial earlier; later reductions described as 0.6 administrative FTE, 2.0 elementary FTE, 1.0 secondary FTE and 2.2 custodial FTE across sites), reallocation of one‑time funds and reserve use, and new fees (athletic transportation and custodial charges to food services).

The district is required to show three‑year solvency for its adopted budget. Staff reported an average annual salary step and column increase assumption of 1.5% and an assumed health benefits escalation increased to 6.5% (from prior estimates near 4.5%) because of recent rate hits. Enrollment was projected to decline by about 40 students next year (an improvement from an earlier projection of an 80‑student decline), which slightly improved revenue forecasts.

Staff stressed two compliance points: state Proposition 98 guarantees funding floors for schools and can affect funding timing; and Senate Bill 858 requires the board to report why the district holds more than a 3% reserve (staff cited retirement and health‑benefit cost pressures, special‑education contributions and economic uncertainty as justifications). The district’s targeted 3% reserve, staff noted, is relatively small (roughly two to three weeks of payroll), and small districts typically keep larger relative reserves.

Why it matters: Reduced COLAs and ongoing cost pressures can force personnel cuts or program reductions because salaries and benefits constitute the majority of district spending. Staff said they used a mix of one‑time funds, reserves, and targeted reductions to avoid layoffs this year; without increased revenue or cost relief, further reductions may be required in coming years.

Next steps and public process: The presentation was informational; the adopted budget will be on the board’s agenda for formal adoption at the next meeting. Staff also noted that when the state releases a final budget, the district can amend assumptions and return to the board in September if needed.","District staff told the board the 2025‑26 adopted budget is fragile: state cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLAs) in revised proposals are lower than earlier assumptions, reducing expected revenue by roughly $2.8 million across recent cycles and forcing one‑time measures, FTE reductions and service changes to preserve a 3% reserve.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6542123,"Votes at a glance: Board approves K–2 screener, facility painting contract, EPA resolution and personnel agreements",286,7138000,7424000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3769805-318418cd89b2049168769cccaa317d9a&start=7138&end=7424","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3769805-318418cd89b2049168769cccaa317d9a/thumbnail_7138000.jpg","/articles/6542123/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Board-approves-K2-screener-facility-painting-contract-EPA-resolution-and-personnel-agreements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542123-6f4070f944fc134dade7cd8f3667c282/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922856&Signature=VO-uRmwWgqIGmqBKJPeSyO1hHdSRyJ3FyyuNh0gjqzK7jC7AEH1wcDGUJ2AkD9ZLw4qN3gJ8wRjXo0ANa8kyTduWtY2hGYleqpV5N~JeqQlPSSArLKwRkD5KLkUoPp9wyRuVm-m43Tuv9H9W4JrgUY462NRlaWUUr4PRSnmq1U0EQjapeth~NqGBSVUNxoX-KlmL9cVhybbPHKqVQSJFSEHcrVe59TOnoyiMOol1dgJcm3QlFIxnSMSQ2jtzOhiQK6Uuu7wpoTCC7iUAccCJnAMeN5sA81HdyxFxEHm2qWI0sP3sWWnVJa64tIC-mS7DQWDqzm4Ozg8n9m0cSa0oxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The South Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education took action on multiple agenda items during the meeting. Key approvals included adoption of the recommended K–2 reading difficulty screener, a facilities contract, a constitutionally required EPA resolution and several personnel agreement extensions. All items listed below were approved by roll call.

Votes at a glance

- 9.01 — Adopt K–2 reading difficulty screener (Amira): motion approved by roll call (Ayes: Miss Adams; Dr. Kipke; Dr. Martinez Miller; Mr. Raub; Miss Davis). The district said a committee of K–2 teachers piloted state‑approved screeners and recommended Amira.

- 9.02 — Award painting contract for Marengo campus (Astro Painting, $99,000): approved by roll call (Ayes: same board members). Work scheduled for summer construction window.

- 9.03 — Resolution 2024‑25‑15: Use of Education Protection Account funds for 2025‑26 (EPA funds to be used for teacher salaries): adopted (Ayes: unanimous roll call).

- 9.04 — Approval of new and revised board policies (as posted): adopted.

- 9.05 — Supplemental agreement with Play On Sports (additional camera/streaming coverage at athletic facilities; Booster Club reimbursement): approved.

- 9.06 — Certification of authorized signatures for District (for incoming officials): approved.

- 9.07 — Amendment/1‑year extension: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources employment agreement: approved.

- 9.08 — Amendment/1‑year extension: Assistant Superintendent of Business Services employment agreement: approved.

- 9.09 — Amendment/1‑year extension: Associate Superintendent of Instructional Services employment agreement: approved.

Why it matters: The votes implement committee recommendations (screening and curriculum planning), maintain facilities and ensure continuity in district leadership during a period of fiscal pressure. The EPA resolution allocates constitutionally protected funding toward teacher salaries as required by the state.","The board approved several consent and action items including adoption of the recommended K–2 reading difficulty screener (Amira), a Marengo campus painting contract, Education Protection Account (EPA) resolution and extensions of several employment agreements. All listed actions were approved by unanimous recorded vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

South Pasadena board hears large public push to extend 'away all day' phone ban to high school; board considers splitting K–8 and high school policies

Board hears LCAP updates: new reading screener selected, phonics adoption, translation/interpretation clarified and new environmental science course

South Pasadena budget presentation warns of shrinking COLAs, multi‑year revenue loss and continued reliance on one‑time funds to avoid layoffs

Votes at a glance: Board approves K–2 screener, facility painting contract, EPA resolution and personnel agreements