Capitol High teacher Garen Sprague told the Santa Fe Public Schools Board on Aug. 28 that the district’s lack of a firm cell-phone policy is causing classroom disruptions, facilitating cheating and increasing bullying and videotaped fights.
“We have two options,” Sprague said. “Disallow or at least try to regulate cell phones” — or “just give up and stop fighting.” He said teachers spend instructional time policing phones, documenting incidents, calling parents, arranging conferences and paying out of pocket for equipment to control devices.
Sprague cited other districts he said have adopted bans, naming Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Taos, Peñasco and Quemado as examples. He urged the board and superintendent to adopt clear rules rather than leaving enforcement solely to classroom teachers.
Why it matters: Teachers said classroom learning time is being diverted to discipline and documentation. Sprague framed the issue as an instructional and equity problem rather than solely a discipline issue.
Board response and action: The board heard the public comment during the forum but did not vote on a district-wide cell-phone policy at the Aug. 28 meeting. No district staff presented a policy proposal during the session.
Ending: Sprague asked for immediate action and accountability; the board did not schedule a policy hearing at the Aug. 28 meeting.