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Alisal Union trustees consider banning student cell phones on campus; public town hall set for May 22
Summary
District staff proposed a board policy change to prohibit students from using mobile communications devices on school sites and while under district supervision, citing classroom distraction and safety concerns. The board will hold a first reading May 14, a town hall May 22 and a second reading June 4.
Superintendent Koenig presented a proposed change to Alisal Union School District policy that would prohibit students from using mobile communications devices—“primarily cell phones”—while on school sites or under the supervision of a district employee.
The proposal is aimed at reducing classroom distractions and limiting incidents of cyberbullying, Superintendent Koenig said: “If you see a student looking at a cell phone, nothing good is happening.” He described exceptions for emergencies, physician-ordered health needs and Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements and said an administrative regulation will require phones to be off and kept in backpacks while students are on campus.
Why it matters: district leaders said the devices are a growing classroom disruption and are linked to instances of disrespectful social media postings. The board will review the policy in two readings and hold a public town hall so parents can ask questions about emergency protocols and consistent classroom enforcement.
Details and implementation: Koenig said the schedule is a first reading of the new policy and administrative regulation at the May 14 board meeting, a town hall on May 22 in the district boardroom to address parent concerns, and a second reading and possible approval on June 4. He described enforcement as a site-level responsibility; confiscated devices would be returned to parents.
Board members asked for clarity on teacher-granted exceptions and on parent outreach about the district emergency and safety plans. Trustee Perez said informing parents about safety drills and the district safety plan will make them more comfortable with a campus-wide prohibition. Koenig said teacher permission would be rare and gave field trips as an example where phone use might be authorized.
Next steps: The board will continue the policy discussion at the May 14 meeting and hold the May 22 town hall before the scheduled June 4 second reading and vote.
