School District Phone Policy Boosts Student Engagement and Social Interaction

The Board of Education for the School District of Clayton convened on September 3, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including updates on the phone policy and a presentation from Excellence K-12 regarding an upcoming survey.

The meeting began with a report on the effectiveness of the district's new phone policy. A representative noted that in the first three weeks of school, students have been less distracted by their phones, leading to increased social interaction and engagement in schoolwork. The representative emphasized the importance of continued reminders from teachers to maintain this positive trend.

Following this update, the board welcomed Gina Tartt and Rick from Excellence K-12, who provided details about a forthcoming telephone survey aimed at gauging community sentiment regarding the school district. The survey will involve random digit dialing of 300 individuals, ensuring a representative sample of the district's population. The survey will cover various topics, including safety, classroom quality, and tax tolerance for potential bond issues.

Rick explained that the survey would assess community members' perceptions of the district's brand and civic-mindedness, as well as their willingness to support funding initiatives. The survey is set to begin on September 12 and conclude on September 26, with results expected by October 3. The board expressed interest in the survey's design and the importance of understanding community perspectives to guide future decisions.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the survey's methodology, including the focus on registered voters within the district. Board members raised questions about the potential tax tolerance levels for bond issues, with Rick providing insights based on previous experiences in other districts.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's commitment to fostering a positive school environment and engaging with the community to inform future initiatives. The board looks forward to the insights gained from the upcoming survey, which will play a crucial role in shaping the district's future plans.