Litchfield administrators brief board on new state laws: limits on student device use, expanded mandatory reporting, directory-info opt-in

District administrators presented first reads of policy updates prompted by recent Arizona legislation affecting student device usage, mandatory reporting and directory information.

Administrators described House Bill 2484, which requires districts to restrict student access to wireless communication devices and social-media platforms during the school day while preserving access for emergency use, medical needs, or documented educational purposes (for example, in a student’s IEP or 504 plan). The administration told the board Litchfield’s current practice — requiring cell phones be turned off or stored during instructional hours — already aligns with the statute’s core restrictions but that policies and procedures will be updated to clarify permitted educational uses.

Director Moss and legal staff summarized Senate Bill 1437 changes to mandatory-reporting procedures. The new law clarified that mandatory reports must go directly to law-enforcement dispatch for the precinct where the school is located rather than solely to a school resource officer (SRO) or school safety officer (SSO). If an allegation does not involve a parent or guardian, staff must report directly to law enforcement. The law also explicitly adds school board members to the list of educational professionals required to make mandatory reports; administrators said they will provide board members with protocols and step-by-step templates for how to report any suspected child welfare issues or unprofessional conduct.

Administrators also reviewed House Bill 2514 related to directory information and annual notification. The law changes the default from opt-out to opt-in for disclosure of directory information (examples given: names, club memberships used by PTO/PTOA), meaning districts must get explicit parent permission before releasing directory information for non‑statutory uses. The administration noted that legally required disclosures — for example to child-welfare investigators or law enforcement under statute — remain permissible without parental opt-in. Student Information staff will develop permission workflows and communication plans; the law’s effective date is about 90 days after the legislative session ended (administration estimated implementation around October).

The packet included draft policy and procedure numbers from the Arizona School Risk Retention Trust: policy 3-403 (technology/cell-phone use), policy 5-305 (student code of conduct), policy 4-204 (mandatory reporting), policy 1-401 (parent/guardian rights) and policy 5-303 (student records). Board members asked clarifying questions about whether current practice needs operational changes, how the district will collect parent opt-ins for directory information, and whether existing SRO reporting practices would require modification. Administrators recommended delaying the second read on the directory-information policy until the district finalizes the parent-permission process and staff training; the board agreed to wait so implementation procedures can be fully developed.

Administrators said next steps will include drafting procedures and forms, staff and board training on the revised mandatory-reporting steps (including how and when to call precinct dispatch), and a communication plan for parents about directory‑information permissions. No formal vote was taken on these policy first reads at the meeting; they were presented for board review and future action.