Board adopts New Hampshire 'parental bill of rights' policy; personal communication-device policy discussed and sent to policy committee

The Newfields School Board voted to accept a draft parental bill-of-rights policy (identified as AB in meeting materials) as written and moved the draft personal communication-device policy (JICJ) into the policy committee process for additional review and community input.

Board members said the policies respond to recently passed state legislation that requires districts to adopt a parental bill of rights and to develop rules governing student personal communication devices during the school day. The draft JICJ policy would prohibit personal communication devices during the school day "bell to bell," with limited exceptions for items required by individualized education programs and for smartwatches in time-only mode; the draft also includes an annual review requirement.

The board and administration discussed practical implementation questions, including whether verbal requests for information qualify as initial requests under the parental bill-of-rights language and how the device policy would be incorporated into the student and employee handbooks. Members noted the New Hampshire School Boards Association was consulted for model language and that the policy committee will confirm cross-references to existing policies on records requests and student discipline.

Outcome: The board approved AB as presented and directed staff to take feedback on JICJ to the policy committee for formal review and for revision as needed before final adoption.