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Board hears minor edits to cell-phone and electronic-device rules to match state guidance
Summary
Staff recommended small modifications to the district's electronic-device policies to align with two model approaches in state law, add definitions, and restate that devices necessary for medical or disability accommodations are permitted.
Deming Public Schools staff recommended minor edits to the district's electronic-device and acceptable-use policies to align wording with recent state guidance and to clarify enforcement, posting and exceptions.
Why it matters: Clear device rules help administrators enforce expectations while protecting students with disabilities who rely on assistive devices.
Staff said the state provided two model approaches for cell-phone policies and that Deming's current approach is consistent with a restricted-use model; staff proposed aligning the district's language with the statute by adopting statutory definitions of "electronic communication devices," clarifying enforcement steps (including limited confiscation procedures that fit the discipline matrix), and reiterating that medical devices or accommodations under Section 504 or an IEP are not restricted.
The draft also adds a requirement that the district post its device rules on the website and notify families annually, and it embeds an enforcement paragraph from state model language to ensure consistency.
Board members did not object to the tweaks; staff said they would incorporate the state language and include the edits in the advisory packet being returned for board consideration.
