The Cleveland City Schools Board convened on August 4, 2025, to address several key issues impacting the district, including student phone usage, access to student records, and wellness policies.

The meeting began with a discussion on the effectiveness of current policies regarding student phone usage. A board member raised concerns about whether students would need to fully put away their phones if the effectiveness of existing regulations was not met. The possibility of implementing phone pouches, which lock devices away during school hours, was mentioned as a potential solution. The board acknowledged that they would evaluate data and feedback from families and staff before making any decisions.

The conversation then shifted to the role of teachers as role models in phone usage. A board member emphasized the importance of teachers not using their phones during school hours, as students often observe and mimic their behavior. The need for equitable practices between students and teachers was highlighted, urging administrators to consider how phone policies are enforced.

Following this discussion, the board moved on to agenda item 6.6, which focused on changes to student records access. The proposed changes aimed to clarify who has access to these records, although no questions or concerns were raised during this segment.

The board then addressed fundraising policies related to healthy snacks, referred to as "smart snacks." After a brief discussion, a motion was made to approve the first and second readings of the policies presented. The motion received unanimous support from board members, confirming the policies' approval.

The meeting concluded with the first reading of additional policies, with board member Renee Diamond leading this segment. The board's discussions reflect ongoing efforts to enhance student welfare and ensure effective governance within the Cleveland City Schools.