Public and board members call for clearer language after proposed cell-phone-related suspensions in policy J191

A member of the public urged the board to revise proposed changes to policy J191, saying the draft lumps minor cellphone misuse together with more serious offenses such as harassment, and that approach could lead to inappropriate suspensions. Lance McColl, speaking in public forum, said the draft policy would allow suspension for a student who simply failed to put a phone away. “If a kid didn't put his cell phone away, then you take it away from him,” McColl said. “There’s no reason to ever suspend somebody for that.” Board members agreed the policy language needs clarity. One board member asked that the district distinguish administrative responses to device misuse (for example, confiscation) from responses to harassment, cyberbullying and other serious misconduct. The board’s comments noted the cell-phone confiscation policy J240 already covers many low-level device issues and that J191 should not fold minor device violations into categories that trigger suspension without a clearer standard. Why it matters: unclear policy language can create inconsistent discipline across schools and lead to confusion for students, parents and staff. Board members urged staff to review whether J191 should be restructured to separate minor electronic-device violations from conduct involving harassment or threats. What the meeting did not decide: no formal policy change or vote occurred at the meeting. Public comment and board forum raised concerns and requested clarification.