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Board moves to tighten wireless‑device rules: discussion favors 'phones away' K–8, limited use for high school students
Summary
Board members discussed revisions to Procedure 5‑305 on restrictions of wireless communication devices and directed staff to redraft language clarifying K–8 bell‑to‑bell restrictions, 9–12 limited use between classes and at lunch, and exceptions for medical/emergency needs; the procedure will be posted for status and returned for final review.
The Governing Board discussed Procedure 5‑305 (Student Code of Conduct: Restrictions on Use of Wireless Communication Devices) and indicated a preference for clearer, stricter guidance to reduce in‑class distraction.
Several board members said they want a consistent district standard for younger students, proposing bell‑to‑bell restrictions for kindergarten through eighth grade that require personal devices to remain stored and not used during the instructional day. Supporters said a clear, uniform rule reduces confusion and removes the burden on teachers to enforce varying site practices.
For high school students, board members discussed allowing restricted device use during passing periods and at lunchtime but requiring devices to be out of sight during classroom instruction. The draft procedure discussed at the meeting would also clarify that devices are never permitted in restrooms or locker rooms and that medical or safety exceptions will be honored.
Legal counsel and the superintendent said they will refine the procedure language to: 1) align device definitions so district‑issued laptops are distinguished from personal wireless devices; 2) clarify emergency‑contact processes (parents should contact the school office to reach a student during the school day); and 3) ensure discipline for violations aligns with the district’s discipline matrix.
Superintendent Matthew Strom said staff will return a revised procedure with the board’s requested clarifications and post it in status so board members, staff and the public may review it before finalizing. The district intends to cascade training to administrators and principals so classroom expectations will be consistently communicated at the start of the school year.
Board members and counsel discussed enforcement realities (for example, monitoring smartwatches and devices that can be worn) and the need for clear exception language for medical devices. The board did not take a formal vote on procedure language at the meeting; instead, it provided direction to staff to redraft and publish the procedure for review.
