Taos board adopts stricter student cell‑phone policy to start the school year

The Taos Municipal Schools Board of Education on Aug. 20 adopted a revised student cell‑phone policy (JICJ) that tightens enforcement and shortens the process for escalating disciplinary consequences. The board voted to approve the revised policy in one reading at the start of the school year. Under the revision, an initial violation will result in confiscation of the phone by an authorized person; parents may be required to pick up the device at the end of the school day. A second violation will require parent pickup within three school days. Repeated violations can be treated as insubordination and referred to the student code of conduct. The administration removed previously listed fifth and sixth violations and consolidated penalties into four levels with discretionary principal authority for longer holds (up to 21 days) in cases the principal deems appropriate. Superintendent Dr. Layton told the board principals had identified loopholes and inconsistent enforcement during the prior year and provided recommended edits to close those gaps. “The campus site principals…found that students had a lot of opportunities to use their cell phones,” the superintendent said in presenting the draft revisions. Board members said they wanted the district’s expectations to be clear at the outset of the year to support instruction. President Flores moved to approve the revised policy in one reading and the motion passed unanimously among members present. Board discussion included implementation steps: principals will enforce the policy at their sites, staff will be instructed that teachers should not use phones during instructional time, and the district will continue distributing phone pouches on campus where appropriate. Secretary Trujillo asked whether the district’s attorneys had reviewed the changes; the superintendent confirmed legal review had occurred. The policy applies districtwide, including secondary schools, and district staff said they will present informational materials and training for teachers and students so expectations are understood at the elementary, middle and high school levels. What’s next: The district will implement the policy immediately for the 2025–26 school year and provide parental and staff notices; the board asked administrators to monitor enforcement and report back if adjustments are needed.