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School board approves updated student cell-phone policy to reflect VSBA guidance
Summary
The board approved a revised student cell-phone and smart device policy that adds a definition of smart device, clarifies superintendent authority on age-appropriate limits, and states students cannot be suspended solely for possessing a cell phone.
The Caroline County School Board voted to approve updates to the district’s student cell-phone policy, adopting the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) recommended language added after recent state guidance.
Director of policy services (presented as Mr. Wick) told the board the changes were largely editorial and added three items: a definition of “smart device,” a statement that the superintendent may approve age-appropriate limits, and a clarification that a student cannot be suspended solely for possessing a cell phone (but school discipline may follow if the device is used in conjunction with bullying, harassment or other misconduct).
A board member asked whether the policy revisions required a new vote; staff advised the board that because edits were substantive additions, the board should vote to adopt the modified policy. The board then moved and approved the revised policy.
Clerk roll call on the motion to approve the modified cell-phone policy recorded: Allison Sears — aye; Sean Kelly — aye; Lydell Fortune — aye; Michael Hubbard — aye; Joanda Rollins Fells — aye; Calvin Taylor — aye. The motion carried.
The new language aligns the district policy with VSBA’s official policy update and ensures local discipline procedures cannot impose suspension solely for possession of a device. The board asked that the policy document with redline changes remain available in board documents for member review.
