District presents 'pack or park' cell‑phone recommendation; board to consider policy after further emergency‑response review

Beaverton School District staff told the school board on April 8 they recommend restricting student cell‑phone use during the school day under a “pack or park” model after more than 17,600 survey and engagement responses.

The recommendation: staff said devices for PreK–8 students should be packed or parked for the entire school day; high‑school and option‑program students would have devices packed/parked during class but would be allowed access during passing periods and lunch. “Pack” was defined as store in a backpack, locker or designated area; “park” as a designated classroom or school area.

Why it matters: District leaders said the change is designed to reduce distractions and support student mental health and “person‑to‑person” interactions, while preserving practical high‑school needs for communication around sports and after‑school activities. Staff emphasized the recommendation reflects an equity lens and noted exceptions for students who require devices under IEPs or 504 plans.

What the district presented - Dr. Korte (instructional leadership) said the district conducted stakeholder engagement from October through winter break, including 17,600+ survey respondents and culturally‑and‑linguistically specific interviews. - The staff summary listed five themes from feedback: enhance learning and focus; balance and uniformity; mental and physical health; positive school culture; and safety concerns, especially around emergencies. - The district recommended implementation planning through spring to be ready for fall 2025, including communication plans, revisions to the student code of conduct and emergency‑response coordination with public safety.

Emergency and equity concerns raised during Q&A - Board members and students raised emergency‑response questions after the Tumwater evacuation earlier in the year. Staff said they are coordinating with the I Love You Guys Foundation and public safety to refine reunification and communications practices. Staff noted that heavy cellphone traffic during some evacuations can overload local cellular networks and complicate reunification. - Board members also cited concerns that restricting phone access could affect immigrant families’ ability to communicate; staff said they would ensure alternative access points and account for equity needs in implementation. - Staff said the district is aware of pending state legislation that could require stricter, bell‑to‑bell restrictions; the district would comply with any state law and adjust administrative rules as needed.

Policy status and next steps - The board was presented draft policy language (policy JFCEB) to restrict personal electronic device use and direct the superintendent to write administrative regulations; the board deferred formal adoption to a future meeting after additional data and emergency‑planning details are shared. - Staff said the first year will include training for leaders and graded rollouts, continued review of student code of conduct impacts, and annual policy review.

Quotes (from the meeting) “We had over 17,600 respondents to the surveys and the in‑person feedback loops,” — Dr. Korte (presentation of engagement findings). “We want to focus and center ourselves on our safe and thriving strategic plan goal,” — Todd Corsetti (framing policy in connection with district goals).

Ending: The board signaled interest in the pack/park framework but asked staff to return with emergency‑response clarifications and additional Tumwater after‑action feedback before a final policy vote.