Board approves updated cell-phone policy language; directs 'academic time' definition and consistent enforcement

The board adopted a revision to its student cell-phone policy by approving the second reading with a change to use an "academic time" standard and directed administration to improve consistent enforcement across schools.

Superintendent-level staff reviewed how a recently enacted state bill and media coverage had prompted questions about the district’s cell-phone rules. Board members said some principals favored keeping the district’s existing practice but emphasized that inconsistent enforcement across sites was the main problem. Several board members and principals said that use of words such as "may" in the policy had created uneven practices among schools.

Board members discussed specific operational questions: whether phones should be allowed at lunch, whether hall sweeps were effective at reducing in-class phone use, how to treat smartwatches and earbuds, and how to ensure staff behavior matched expectations. Principals told the board that hall sweeps and clearer enforcement had reduced phone incidents in some schools.

A motion was made to waive the second reading and approve the policy with the revised timing language to refer to "academic time"; the motion passed on a board voice/hand vote. The board directed staff to return if additional edits or clarifications are needed and to ensure the policy is enforced consistently at the building level.

Ending

Board members said they expect administration and principals to work with teachers to implement consistent practices and to return with any needed refinements following implementation.