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Board adopts personal device policy and revises harassment policy; several policies given first reading
Summary
The Moorhead board adopted a new personal electronic communication device policy in a single reading and approved revisions to the district’s harassment and violence policy; the board also reviewed multiple policies on first reading.
The Moorhead Area Public Schools Board on March 24 adopted a new policy addressing personal electronic communication devices and approved revisions to the harassment and violence policy. Both approvals took place at the single‑meeting reading as permitted under district policy 208.
Dr. Winnick (district administrator) told the board that the personal electronic communication device policy (Policy 5.24.5 in the packet) was newly required by recent action of the Minnesota Legislature and that the policy covers all devices, including wearables and phones. He added that state‑level discussion on cell phone rules is ongoing and the board may see additional revisions if the legislature or Minnesota School Boards Association model language changes. A board member asked about extracurricular guidelines for high school activities; Dr. Winnick said specific procedures for activity contexts would be developed as the district implements the policy.
Keith moved adoption of MAPS Policy 5.24.5 in a single meeting; Cassidy seconded. The motion passed on roll call (all voting members recorded as aye). Later the board approved revisions to Policy 4.13 (harassment and violence) after the policy review committee recommended changes; that motion was moved by Keith, seconded by Melissa, and passed on roll call.
Board members also heard first readings of multiple policies and model updates from the MSBA (Minnesota School Boards Association). Policies discussed on first reading included 201 (general statement), 203 (operation of the school board) and several board procedure policies (203.1, 203.2, 203.5), consent agenda policy (203.6), records and student publication policies (404/444/512/515/522), grievance procedures, and several others listed in the packet. The board did not take final action on the first‑reading items; staff noted where MSBA model language had been adopted or where a policy was moved to procedure.
Votes at a glance: Move to approve MAPS Policy 5.24.5 (personal electronic communication devices) at a single meeting — Mover: Keith; Second: Cassidy; Outcome: approved (roll call recorded as all ayes). Move to approve revisions to Policy 4.13 (harassment and violence) at a single meeting — Mover: Keith; Second: Melissa; Outcome: approved (roll call recorded as all ayes).
Administration said the device policy will be implemented with accompanying procedures, and staff will return to the board if state statute or MSBA model policy changes require revisions.
