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RSU 52 board adopts revised electronics policy, removes search clause but keeps camera restrictions
Summary
At its sixteenth regular meeting, the RSU 52 Board of Directors adopted a revised student personal electronic devices policy (JICJ/JICJ‑R). The board voted to delete a paragraph that allowed device searches based on “reasonable suspicion,” rejected a separate amendment to remove camera/video restrictions, and adopted the policy as revised.
The RSU 52 (MSAD 52) Board of Directors on the sixteenth regular meeting adopted a revised policy governing student use of personal electronic devices (policy JICJ and JICJ‑R), removing a paragraph that had allowed school staff to search student devices on the basis of “reasonable suspicion.”
The change narrows one previously stated enforcement tool while preserving language that requires students to obtain permission before photographing or recording individuals at school and bans use that disrupts the educational process.
Board members said the revisions were intended to balance student privacy and safety, while parents and staff raised concerns about bullying and supervision. During public comment, Crystal Nicholas of Green told the board she had “reservations about our new cell phone policy and its strict prohibition against using cameras and where the camera video function on any device,” saying parents buy phones for safety and that video can serve as evidence.
The board first voted to delete the paragraph that had read, in part, “students’ cell phones and other electronic devices may be subject to search if there’s reasonable suspicion that a student is violating board policies, procedures, or school rules, or engaging in other misconduct.” That deletion was made by motion and second and passed without objection. A later proposed amendment to remove language requiring permission before photographing or posting images of individuals failed; the motion to strike those camera/video sentences did not carry.
Superintendent-level staff and school administrators explained administrators still retain other enforcement tools, such as confiscation and referral to law enforcement when appropriate. Board members also discussed parental notification: some members stressed they want parents to be informed before searches occur, while others argued that preserving some administrative search authority may be needed in cases of suspected misconduct.
The policy now in force keeps explicit limits on device use that block disruptive use, require permission to photograph or record people, and bar posting images of others without permission. The board adopted the policy in its second reading and vote at the meeting.
What changed and what remains
- Removed: a paragraph allowing device searches on “reasonable suspicion.” - Retained: provisions that forbid device use that disrupts education, require permission before photographing or recording individuals, and bar posting such images without prior permission.
The board said the revised policy will be distributed to schools and included in administrative procedures (JICJ‑R). Implementation details — including how staff will handle permission requests and notification practices — were discussed but will be handled administratively.
The decision followed an extended debate among board members and public commentators. Supporters of keeping camera/recording restrictions pointed to incidents of bullying and the need to protect students and staff privacy; opponents argued for greater transparency and parents’ ability to document concerns about school activities.
Looking ahead
School leaders said they will prepare communications to explain the new rule to families and staff and to describe how staff will enforce permission and privacy provisions. The board did not set a separate implementation deadline at the meeting.
