Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mobile Device Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District moves toward phone‑free procedures while awaiting possible state law
Summary
After reviewing a large community survey and draft procedures, the board gave administration authority to implement phone‑free practices next year and to communicate plans while legislators consider statewide legislation.
The Champlain Valley School District board discussed a proposed shift to phone‑free practices and a drafted procedural approach presented by administrators, who said they will proceed in the absence of a board policy while monitoring pending state legislation.
Superintendent Adam Bunting and administrators described an April community survey that drew roughly 700 parent/family responses and indicated significant support for phone‑free practices across K–12. Catherine (role: district administrator for secondary schools) presented a procedural draft the administration prefers: students would be expected to keep phones “out of sight” during the school day, with a simple storage solution (individual envelopes or small pouches) and escalating consequences for repeated violations. The presenters said schools that have adopted similar expectations report relatively few repeat violations when expectations and consequences are consistent.
Board members debated whether to adopt a district policy now or wait for a likely state law. Members noted that state legislation related to phone‑free schools was moving through the legislature and could require districts to adopt specific language or rules; administrators said they expect momentum for legislation that could take effect in 2026–27. Several members favored waiting for final legislative language to avoid having to rewrite a local policy; others asked administrators to keep the board updated as the procedures are piloted.
Public commenters included Wiley, a senior at CBU who said removing phones helped him socialize more in high school, and Dan Newark, a parent who asked about impacts on student employees and communication with local businesses. Board members asked administrators to reach out to local employers and to develop a communication plan for students, staff and families prior to implementation.
The board did not pass a formal policy at this meeting. Members said the administration has authority to implement the practice in the coming school year and committed to regular updates to the board on rollout plans, communications and consistency of enforcement. Administrators said they will present finalized procedures to faculty during post‑service and pre‑service professional development sessions and will share results and adjustments with the board.
