Prosser School Board Approves Updates to Cell Phone Policy and Student Handbook

The Prosser School District's School Board convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss several key policies affecting students and their educational environment, with a primary focus on the updated cell phone policy and the student handbook for the upcoming school year.

The board conducted a first reading of Policy 3246, which addresses the use of student telecommunication devices, particularly cell phones. This policy aims to establish clear guidelines for cell phone usage during school hours, responding to concerns raised by parents and educators alike. While the policy is still in draft form, board members expressed the necessity for its enforcement and consistency across the district. Discussions highlighted the importance of educating students about the rules and ensuring that disciplinary actions for violations are clearly defined. Suggestions included warnings and the potential for phones to be confiscated, with parents required to retrieve them from the school.

The board also touched on the implications of smartwatches, indicating that they would be treated similarly to cell phones, with expectations for students to silence notifications during school hours. The board acknowledged that communication with parents about the new policy would be crucial, with plans to utilize various channels, including email and auto-dialer notifications, to ensure that families are informed before the policy is finalized.

In addition to the cell phone policy, the board reviewed the draft of the 2025-2026 student handbook, which includes updates to the discipline section and clarifications regarding excused absences. A significant point of contention arose around the language that suggested excused absences could affect participation grades. Board members agreed that this contradicts existing laws that guarantee students the right to make up missed work due to excused absences. The board committed to revising this language to ensure compliance with legal standards.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the student handbook, excluding the problematic policy on excused absences, which will be addressed in a future meeting. The board's proactive approach to policy updates reflects its commitment to creating a fair and supportive educational environment for all students.

As the school year approaches, the district's efforts to communicate these changes effectively will be vital in fostering understanding and compliance among students and parents alike. The board's next steps will involve finalizing the cell phone policy and ensuring that the handbook accurately reflects the necessary legal standards.