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Battle Ground board approves updated cell-phone policy for students
Summary
The board approved revisions to Policy 3245 on students and telecommunication devices, aligning school-level expectations across primary, middle and high schools; the motion passed 4-0.
The Battle Ground School District Board of Directors approved revisions to Policy 3245 on Aug. 11, 2025, changing how student cell phones are handled at primary, middle and high schools.
Under the revised policy, elementary (primary) students will not use cell phones during the school day; phones must remain in backpacks. Middle-school students also may not use phones on campus except before school and after the final bell to allow brief parent communications. High-school students may carry phones and use them during passing periods and lunch, but not during class unless a teacher grants an educational-purpose exception and monitors use.
Kevin (operations staff) and other administrators told the board the revisions largely codify practices already in place at each level and noted the policy seeks to balance instructional needs, student safety and common parent concerns. The policy text specifically allows teacher exceptions only for instructional use and requires teachers who permit phones in class to monitor appropriate use.
Board discussion addressed enforcement limits and consistency. Director Debbie Johnson asked how schools would enforce middle-school restrictions when phones are carried in backpacks; staff said enforcement relies on classroom management and building-level responses when problematic use is detected. Student representative Toby Gwynn told the board he supports the policy, calling phones in class a "big distraction." Several board members signaled ongoing interest in tightening rules as community views evolve.
The motion to approve the revision of Policy 3245 was moved and passed 4 to 0.
Clarifying details: the policy distinguishes rules by grade band (primary, middle, high); exceptions for individual students with IEP or 504 accommodations remain. District staff said the policy mirrors current building-level practice and that parents and staff were surveyed with mixed responses. The revision passed unanimously among the four seated board members.
