[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6518993,"mediaKeyId","5382532-a79e67b8024638e390cdfddba9ebfb87","parentId",5382532,"title","Board approves updated cell-phone policy language; directs 'academic time' definition and consistent enforcement","audioSeconds",1190,"startMs",5664000,"endMs",6854000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5382532-a79e67b8024638e390cdfddba9ebfb87&start=5664&end=6854","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5382532-a79e67b8024638e390cdfddba9ebfb87/thumbnail_5664000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6518993/North-Carolina/Board-approves-updated-cell-phone-policy-language-directs-academic-time-definition-and-consistent-enforcement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518993-6d7ff4bdc91a058337aa47f270419746/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542754&Signature=E3zeHfEWnrg7yOECgJiSi8SWvSPP3dB5P-75IQEWX8mbm-dHJMlEkPsf7oiHsu8D47zQ9yT5L8fZxGoqj61InZ0sDtZP0sGY2dBqz9nkZbSXKZExBzdy2jRgIK5zRvi2xoSd4FXRAKkRC~B2eZD5R-Hqz1cQoIx1YwlBQhgmHITzrZi0cZcJ5IZpeTgi9f2GU-qUNPlOrDcFDcHfh4-sjKUZDRZcpXx6CrrGxPMjv~N1VQkRkewfGrGUpu70hA3WZhLoHWRVTaeYiozbI6j0GZ1Qvlm6whh6yikrpFluhASyFuezbH7KWSrUI3meLjn4mpktmC1zLmDvJ5SmlTtdmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Caswell County Schools","date","2025-07-15T03:08:46Z","article","The board adopted a revision to its student cell-phone policy by approving the second reading with a change to use an \"academic time\" standard and directed administration to improve consistent enforcement across schools.

Superintendent-level staff reviewed how a recently enacted state bill and media coverage had prompted questions about the district’s cell-phone rules. Board members said some principals favored keeping the district’s existing practice but emphasized that inconsistent enforcement across sites was the main problem. Several board members and principals said that use of words such as \"may\" in the policy had created uneven practices among schools.

Board members discussed specific operational questions: whether phones should be allowed at lunch, whether hall sweeps were effective at reducing in-class phone use, how to treat smartwatches and earbuds, and how to ensure staff behavior matched expectations. Principals told the board that hall sweeps and clearer enforcement had reduced phone incidents in some schools.

A motion was made to waive the second reading and approve the policy with the revised timing language to refer to \"academic time\"; the motion passed on a board voice/hand vote. The board directed staff to return if additional edits or clarifications are needed and to ensure the policy is enforced consistently at the building level.

Ending

Board members said they expect administration and principals to work with teachers to implement consistent practices and to return with any needed refinements following implementation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOE Regular recurrent meeting","oneSentenceSummary","After discussion of a recently signed state bill, the board approved a change to local cell-phone policy wording, replacing prior phrasing with an \"academic time\" standard and directing better, consistent enforcement across schools.","taxTitle","Caswell County Schools, School Districts, North Carolina","taxId",56351,"location","North Carolina","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},6518998,"Board approves one-time pest-control spraying contract for district buildings",250,2699000,2949000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5382532-a79e67b8024638e390cdfddba9ebfb87&start=2699&end=2949","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5382532-a79e67b8024638e390cdfddba9ebfb87/thumbnail_2699000.jpg","/articles/6518998/North-Carolina/Board-approves-one-time-pest-control-spraying-contract-for-district-buildings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518998-9803e0780a771a3cbd99e74195e5e7c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542754&Signature=BsqmR0wddOAZGNJ1cLOvaWnlXS9kbH7qrEMy4lgQiNUXIdWKFbWkf0MZSN7mZ3BSFFj8sXZB0vuVnBRD~FDQkmxLEgePi5saPWPwWKh3elVx2lu~EMrFMDq0BiwpiUSnj6x7h6R0~oUVlYUGgFOz6UudtD-m0Z8~QwF~kJSkxC0VySwAABCc-IaVZCOnNeePRJcXfjo-qS3kmGBiZEmcS7Ozp~0fig8CSb0f~SVf8VvwtEj3BRDGd2LTxTdpZXPoeR5UcuGu5zAW0u2NvoEPAtokXjhNuSBWHlwIAnnTXYWSFdtlzU0cZZvR2xSnVLM0NhmFpU0EfYC0QcvRHIq10w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board voted to approve a one-time pest-control spraying contract to address intensified ant and insect activity across district facilities.

District staff explained the district already has a bait-and-trap contract in place but that baiting alone did not address recent fire-ant and other pest issues. The new contract authorizes spraying inside and outside buildings during a summer window when students are not present. Staff said any indoor or outdoor pesticide application will follow state notification rules and that parents and staff will be notified within the required window before re-entry.

Board members asked about treatment on athletic fields and playgrounds; staff said licensed vendors will treat turf and playground zones using methods appropriate for areas frequented by children and that fire-ant control often requires targeted bait placement to reach the underground queen rather than spray only on the surface.

The motion to approve the contract was made and carried. A board member recorded the vote as \"All in favor\" and the motion was adopted.

Ending

Staff recommended the contract as a one-time targeted treatment with follow-up inspection; the board approved the recommendation.","Board approved a one-time inside-and-outside pest-control spraying contract to address increased ant activity and other pests. Staff said the work will be scheduled during summer months when schools are empty and follow state notification requirements.",{"_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},6519003,"Civic Center operating losses flagged in annual report; board asks for monthly breakdown",302,2098000,2400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5382532-a79e67b8024638e390cdfddba9ebfb87&start=2098&end=2400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5382532-a79e67b8024638e390cdfddba9ebfb87/thumbnail_2098000.jpg","/articles/6519003/North-Carolina/Civic-Center-operating-losses-flagged-in-annual-report-board-asks-for-monthly-breakdown","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519003-89bc31e8fd5f7365b09ff0dc1605cbde/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542754&Signature=EfEUUHTaQuz3iJ9Ril0vnBZpHtqtPuVhFOhAnj-HfP7RVfRnpXShw7ytc0obIfnyPUmy6ha~H1PIP0Xp4cDR7C6nk8HPWQN~xDjYM0d2~01PtfnMM-2Tq-SWfFghe9H9u4z4vrpmb1kW-kc1BjBdVs4nUvQDzFjSQ~dzDi9oODMQ1LDPcgeu9rFOwj6CF7gSXGIRwDEjCV4EV0m4RdwXysbRFGvRdOSACzJuK8UKtfiBhddi1ryxuGn2dQYJwQ3FydffEwCCtG740LYeR4rO6mc08SF7mQVMe2w7Z1UwPtduSjLMdoF4tIQ3TWJHr00SueVfalOlI-1yQMWKvAdl3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board received an annual report on Civic Center operations showing $46,562.50 in total revenue for 2024–25 and a larger expense figure listed in the packet. Board members asked staff to return with a monthly breakdown of revenues and expenses and a tally of how the facility is used by the district to better understand operating losses.

A presenter noted that total revenue for 2024–25 was $46,562.50; the packet listed total expenses in a format that did not clearly translate to a conventional dollar figure. Board members highlighted utility costs (electric, water and sewer) and supply costs as major drivers and asked for monthly statements and a clearer activity ledger showing school-sponsored versus outside rentals.

Board members noted the Civic Center is used for graduation, concerts and school-sponsored events that still consume utilities and staff time even when not booked by outside groups. One board member suggested staff pursue more outside bookings or programming to generate revenue, and another asked staff to identify efficiency upgrades (lighting, HVAC) that could lower operating cost.

Ending

Staff agreed to provide a monthly statement, a breakdown of how the building is used (school events versus outside rentals) and to highlight opportunities to increase outside revenue and reduce operating costs.","Staff presented an annual Civic Center revenue and expense report showing $46,562.50 in revenue and a larger expense figure; board members requested monthly detail and use breakdown to better understand operating deficits.",{"_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},6519008,"Board reviews athletic expenditures; members press for transparency on coach driving pay and concessions revenue sharing",1621,729000,2350000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5382532-a79e67b8024638e390cdfddba9ebfb87&start=729&end=2350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5382532-a79e67b8024638e390cdfddba9ebfb87/thumbnail_729000.jpg","/articles/6519008/North-Carolina/Board-reviews-athletic-expenditures-members-press-for-transparency-on-coach-driving-pay-and-concessions-revenue-sharing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519008-aef53c9c7ca3cc586a5f897b11fdb79c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542754&Signature=hs08-NUKtsr3nyeKw91gb3pb0mB27A0gVuPK1N4eoDHL131OYSbIqRZfQU91-LAWogi7aN3amOtmNpSp0kOM1zXTioO5klVUWfGu~hrSSNp-KYWV2g825k5Jr8kOS~jPPr58Gdf00nFSQqWHOZf1GXcAdbsi88ujSkp~2nLrQkJlfcy7GXdf-R4ELnU1kth2L04pgU4UDhTSHFmVkZcTkiPy5OC-d-KW6ICsDDkT5pYYUNLmUzlKXRvm6NVWYv-m12akOu812sSpGt2t~klS8Z6XHLTMK1pFFeJD3dwdC4YIwhArQELgrmev28hM~RJskKJvGCwRgGvvbkmr~AkmaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caswell County Schools staff presented athletic expenditure reports for Dillard Middle School and the high school and answered board questions about rising costs, concession profit-sharing and payments to coaches who drive activity buses.

The report showed the district’s fall, winter and spring athletic expenditures broken down by sport. Staff highlighted rising transportation costs and higher referee/official fees as major pressure points on athletic budgets. The packet included a county athletic supplement of $25,000; staff said the high school spent $24,910.03 of that allocation during 2024–25.

Board members asked specific questions: a $1,125 expenditure to Caswell Emergency Services was explained as payment to have ambulance/medical coverage at selected events when an athletic trainer was not available. A $210 security charge on a baseball entry was explained as SRO/security coverage for specific games when multiple events occurred simultaneously.

Cheerleading expenses drew scrutiny: the packet showed an expenditure of $6,375.30 for cheer uniforms and related items; staff explained uniform purchases and season-specific apparel requirements can drive larger invoices in a single year, and said family contributions and fundraising also occur but that the invoice was paid through school accounting.

Board members discussed concession profit-sharing, which had been implemented so that sports that staffed concessions received a share of proceeds; staff said that practice was introduced to address volunteer shortages and is split among sports after bills are paid. The report also noted some sports operate “lean” financially because certain sports (track, wrestling, some soccer teams) do not generate enough revenue to cover their costs.

Cost of paying coaches to drive activity buses was a point of debate. Board members said paying coaches to drive has increased transportation costs; staff and board discussed the difficulty of requiring coaches to hold commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and the long lead time to train new drivers. The board asked staff to provide a breakdown of which coaches were paid to drive and suggested the item be returned for further discussion at the July 28 meeting.

Ending

Staff said they will verify missing income lines (board members flagged a missing basketball income sheet) and return with a coach-driving payment breakdown and any corrected revenue/expenditure detail at the next board meeting.","School staff presented athletic expenditure reports for Dillard Middle and the high school. Board members flagged rising transportation and officials costs, questioned cheer and concession expenses, and asked staff to provide a breakdown of which coaches were paid to drive buses.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6519013,"Caswell County Schools moves ahead with tiered bus routing; board gives planning consensus for larger schedule changes",2790,3035000,5825000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5382532-a79e67b8024638e390cdfddba9ebfb87&start=3035&end=5825","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5382532-a79e67b8024638e390cdfddba9ebfb87/thumbnail_3035000.jpg","/articles/6519013/North-Carolina/Caswell-County-Schools-moves-ahead-with-tiered-bus-routing-board-gives-planning-consensus-for-larger-schedule-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519013-bce0674d352c02700662f47dc51c75e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542754&Signature=NsTUo7MrW4CT7SFpo3RkSp8~mTB9W4SemWR9ZDLP07rBtEcdG61WBLxW1ezIxIRevVUgw71J9hGKjHZXRq2Sfriu5tVlwnfbioTC8ttYmkYYO4yUZ03UDwXwhviz9A23DhETzHdjSqpNGsaD0dmWAxMQNJ~8vDdgNWmpH9efnTUkPOnZpoFuWWi8Ps18mHDZ88o4FYJtQ903RsLFfb5AZzmQop2r5w0LURtacwxL~oIX18tvKm4QVtF1TV6zPILP6PoCsj9TmVJDh9Avfuv3qnrsnjE~T4nzEK~HZ4gJ1kLACmEJ1nBRkAdhjZJ4JFm4s-qVTsYNi5UNrUbxrAEqRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caswell County Schools presented a tiered routing proposal intended to reduce long morning rides, ease driver shortages and improve operational efficiency, and the school board signaled its consensus to move forward with planning.

The transportation presentation described a two-tier model in which a single bus would perform two runs: first an elementary run (Tier 1) and then a combined middle/high school run (Tier 2), enabled by staggered bell times. The presentation said the model would reduce early pickup times for rural students, make better use of existing buses and drivers, and cut fuel and maintenance costs.

“This model is both unsustainable and is detrimental to everyone that’s involved,” the Caswell transportation presenter said, summarizing the district’s current situation of drivers and students being routed very early. The presenter and Dr. Matt Tedder, transportation director for Stokes County Schools, described results Stokes County achieved after adopting tiered routing and later start times for secondary students.

Board members pressed for detail on how the system would affect individual households and on timelines. Transportation staff said the district intends to run limited tiered routes in 2025–26 using the current bell times (with students possibly asked to be on site earlier than current arrival windows) and to develop proposals this year for more substantive staggered start-time changes in 2026–27. Staff asked the board for a planning consensus so work could begin now; the board indicated general agreement rather than taking a formal roll-call vote.

Supporters pointed to potential cost savings and reduced driver burnout. Dr. Tedder described Stokes County’s experience, noting increased bus ridership and improved transportation efficiency after changes. Board members raised concerns about supervision for students who would arrive earlier or wait between tiers, impacts on families who rely on existing start times, and whether middle-school students could be left waiting without before/after-school care. Staff said those issues would be handled case by case and would be part of the planning work.

Staff said the immediate 2025–26 rollout would be limited in scope (a few tiered runs planned for the coming year) and that any extensive changes to bell schedules would be developed and returned to the board for approval before implementation.

The board requested further information on proposed bell-time scenarios, route maps, and an analysis of which runs would be tiered versus dedicated, and asked transportation to return with detailed plans and community communication materials before larger changes are adopted.

Ending

District staff emphasized that the proposal is intended to increase safety, reduce long rides for rural students and generate operational savings; board members asked staff to bring concrete schedules, sample timetables and community outreach plans during the coming months so the board can consider any formal change to start times for 2026–27.","District transportation staff presented a tiered routing proposal to shorten student bus rides, reduce costs and ease driver shortages. The board gave consensus to run limited tiered routes in 2025–26 and directed staff to plan staggered start-time options for 2026–27.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves updated cell-phone policy language; directs 'academic time' definition and consistent enforcement

Board approves one-time pest-control spraying contract for district buildings

Civic Center operating losses flagged in annual report; board asks for monthly breakdown

Board reviews athletic expenditures; members press for transparency on coach driving pay and concessions revenue sharing

Caswell County Schools moves ahead with tiered bus routing; board gives planning consensus for larger schedule changes