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School board adopts anti-distraction policy under Senate Bill 11, restricts student device use during instruction
Summary
The board adopted a student wireless-communication-device policy to implement New Mexico's Senate Bill 11. The policy generally bans devices during instructional hours, with exceptions for teacher-approved educational use, emergencies and IEP/medical accommodations. The vote was unanimous.
The Central Consolidated Schools Board adopted a districtwide policy addressing student use of wireless communication devices during instructional hours, stating that students generally must store phones and similar devices during class but allowing limited exceptions for teacher-directed instructional use, emergencies and IEP or medical accommodations.
The policy was presented to the board as the district's response to Senate Bill 11 (the state's anti-distraction law), which requires school districts to adopt rules that prohibit students from using wireless devices during instructional time while allowing specified exceptions for assistive technologies, emergencies and teacher-directed instruction. The district's version emphasizes consistent enforcement by school staff, school-provided phone-storage solutions and protections for student privacy.
During discussion board members raised concerns about safety in remote locations, fairness for students with medical or accessibility needs and consistent enforcement across schools. Staff said the policy also reserves non-instructional hours such as lunch and before/after school for student device use and that schools will implement classroom storage systems and professional development for staff.
The board voted to approve the first, more detailed policy draft that includes expectations for staff enforcement and a statement that the district is not liable for lost, stolen or damaged devices stored at school.
Vote: Board member Montoya voted yes; Board member Aspis voted yes; Secretary Soe voted yes; Vice President Wells voted yes; board president voted yes.
What changes mean on the ground: Teachers may authorize device use for lesson plans when needed; students with documented medical or IEP accommodations will be allowed devices; schools must identify designated non-instructional times and will be asked to provide storage solutions and consistent enforcement procedures.
