Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Devices Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Las Cruces school board adopts policy limiting student use of wireless devices during instructional time
Summary
The board approved policy JICJ, which regulates student wireless device use during instructional hours and allows teacher-authorized use for instruction; vote was 5-0.
The Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education voted 5-0 on Aug. 19 to adopt policy JICJ, restricting student use of wireless communication devices during instructional time while allowing teachers to authorize devices for instructional purposes.
Doctor Wendy Miller-Tomlinson presented the policy for second reading and possible approval. She said the board’s packet contained a corrected version and that no public comments had been received since the first reading. The policy does not impose a blanket ban; it permits teacher-authorized instructional use and leaves implementation details to the superintendent’s regulation.
Board member Frank described the policy as targeted: "It doesn't really ban cell phones or these electronic devices. It's just putting them away at the time when they really should be put away," he said, and characterized it as complying with state law while allowing classroom discretion. Student advisory council member Addison, who had participated in student council discussions, told the board that enforcement varies by teacher and school but observed improvements in classrooms where teachers strictly enforce the rule.
Miller-Tomlinson and district staff said the regulation will clarify specifics such as where and when phones must be stowed, and noted that passing periods are considered instructional time for the policy; lunch periods are not. The board discussed enforcement differences between elementary, middle and high schools and the latitude principals and high-school teachers will have to permit instructional use.
A motion to approve the policy was moved by Mr. Frank and seconded by Vice President Noland. The roll-call vote was Secretary Wofford: yes; Mr. Frank: yes; Miss Tenorio: yes; Vice President Noland: yes; President Court: yes, producing a 5-0 adoption.
Ending: The board approved JICJ and directed staff to finalize the superintendent’s regulation and work with principals on implementation and enforcement.
