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Board reviews large package of policy updates; cell-phone rules for new 6–12 campus to be stricter 'bell to bell'
Summary
The board conducted a first reading Oct. 22 of a broad policy package aligning district rules with recent Ohio laws and model policies, including a new district proposal to prohibit student phone use throughout the school day at the soon-to-open 6–12 campus.
The board heard a first reading Oct. 22 of an extensive set of policy updates that align local rules with recent state law changes and Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) model language. The updates span governance, fiscal procedures, transportation (including expanded references to motor vans), student records and curriculum requirements.
Board member Mister Gomez walked the board through the package and explained several key changes requested by staff and legal counsel. He said the district edited OSBA language so the superintendent may make technical corrections but the board would review and adopt any substantive edits. "OSBA suggested that the superintendent just be able to make the corrections. We wanted the superintendent to be able to make the corrections, but then submit them to the board for final adoption," Gomez said.
Among the most visible changes is a new approach to cell phones for students at the combined 6–12 campus. The draft policy follows recent state language and the principals’ recommendations: a "no cell bell‑to‑bell" rule in the new building. That means students will not be permitted to use phones during passing periods, lunch or class time; staff will allow phones to remain on a student’s person so they are available for emergencies but not visible or in use. Administrators told the board they do not expect the new rule to overwhelm office staff with calls, and they plan communications to families before implementation.
Other policy updates on the first read included: - Statutory alignment on records retention and a new cybersecurity policy that mirrors language in the state budget bill. - Transportation policies expanded to address motor vans and drug-testing procedures for van drivers and other staff required to hold commercial licenses. - Changes tied to the Third Grade Reading Guarantee (reading interventions cannot be circumvented by IEP or 504 placement language). - Revisions on graduation pathways and financial‑literacy requirements, plus updates to truancy definitions and juvenile‑court coordination.
The board did not vote on the policies at this meeting; the materials were presented for first-reading review with the recommendation they return for formal adoption after legal review, final edits and follow-up communications to staff and families.
