Board reviews multiple policy updates, including stricter cell‑phone enforcement and clarifications on transfers and remote participation

Board members reviewed proposed policy updates (first reading) and debated several substantive changes affecting school discipline, harassment, extracurricular eligibility and meeting participation.

On the wireless communication policy (policy 43.18), multiple trustees said enforcement is inconsistent and asked staff to strengthen implementation this school year. Members asked that the provision requiring confiscated devices be returned only to a parent be restored (an earlier change shortened that requirement so devices could be returned to students at the end of the day); staff agreed to revert the language so parents must retrieve confiscated devices and to focus on stronger enforcement during the current year before pursuing a ban.

Trustees discussed harassment language in the policy update that lists electronic examples (Internet, email, text and video calls) and suggested explicitly listing social media to make clear that off‑campus social-media harassment can be subject to board policy. Counsel cautioned that students retain substantial free-speech protections for off‑campus speech and advised involving attorneys before disciplining students for protected speech on social platforms.

The board also reviewed proposed changes to extracurricular and transfer policies that affect eligibility for interscholastic athletics. Trustees requested clearer, consistent language about on‑campus attendance requirements and about the 365‑day time references (members suggested writing “calendar days” to avoid ambiguity). They also noted North Carolina High School Athletic Association rules apply to gender‑eligibility questions.

Finally, trustees discussed remote participation rules. Staff recounted a recent court decision with unusual facts (Anson County) and said guidance from the school board association recommends caution: a remote participant should not be counted toward a quorum in contentious or legally uncertain situations. Several trustees favored preserving remote participation in ordinary circumstances but agreed to rework draft language before the second reading.

Staff said they will circulate proposed edits and that the items will return for a second reading at the Oct. 13 meeting.