Brookings High handbook adds phone pouch policy; administrators plan parent forums
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Summary
The board approved the 2025-26 high school learner handbook, which includes new procedures for limiting student cellphone use during the school day and a plan for parent forums and implementation led by interim high school leadership.
The Brookings School District board approved the Brookings High School 2025-26 learner handbook after administrators described a new process intended to limit in-school cellphone use.
Board members said the change follows a district review, staff surveys and legislative conversations on technology use in schools. Dr. Schultz (identified in the transcript as superintendent) and high school administration described a rollout that will include parent and staff education before implementation.
The handbook adds a process under which students will place phones and related devices in pouches during the school day; administrators said the approach is intended to reduce classroom interruptions and address concerns about anxiety and academic focus. The transcript records a district official saying: “...the use of the cell phone during the school day has a tremendous impact on anxiety. It has a tremendous impact on academic achievement.” (comment attributed in the transcript to a board discussion of research and administrative recommendations.)
Interim high school principal Zach Thomas (identified in the record as interim principal) recommended hiring Phil Kramer as interim assistant principal; that hiring recommendation was noted in the meeting record as pending board personnel approval and appeared in the staff directory portion of the handbook draft, but it was not listed on the personnel report published with the agenda.
Board members said the district will hold forums and back-to-school events this fall to explain procedures and expectations to parents and students before the policy is enforced. Officials said they expect an adjustment period and will provide communication and training to parents and staff.
The high school handbook also reflects recent legislative changes on dual credit and other items the board said it will align with state guidance. The board approved the high school handbook as part of a package of learner and activities handbooks for the coming school year.
