The Douglas Unified School District governing board approved the second reading of a technology/device policy that restricts cell phones and similar electronic devices at school, adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 district expenditure budget as presented, and recorded multiple routine personnel and school‑finance decisions during a special meeting.

Device policy adopted

On second reading, the board approved a policy that requires cell phones to be turned off prior to entering campus, with an exception for students who have a documented medical need approved by school administration and supported by a licensed health provider. The policy makes clear that “smartwatches” and other wearable devices can be treated as devices subject to confiscation if they are used to communicate during restricted times. Miss Samaniego (district administrator) said the policy will be shared with families and that schools will use a signed acknowledgement form in registration packets. Building principals at elementary and middle schools described established enforcement practices, with principals noting warnings and parent pickup as usual steps and emphasizing administrative discretion to avoid suspensions where possible.

Budget adoption

The board adopted the district annual expenditure budget for fiscal year 2025–26 based on last year’s forms and a working average daily membership (ADM) number the district used for the proposal. Staff said they will return with a budget revision in September after the state finalizes the per‑pupil allocation and property‑tax figures; the administrator stated the revised per‑pupil allocation will be $5,113.26 and that a September revision will reflect that change.

Other votes and housekeeping actions

The board approved several routine items by roll call. All recorded roll calls for the motions below registered unanimous ‘‘Yes’’ votes from the board members present.

Votes at a glance

- Increase instructional aides’ hours for a preschool program (Wednesdays; 1 additional hour). Outcome: approved. (motion moved; roll call unanimous)

- Approval of classified resignations (listed positions included campus security at Douglas High School, ESS instructional aide, athletics coordinator at Douglas High School). Outcome: approved. (motion moved; roll call unanimous)

- Classified internal transfer (information only): a health aide transfer from Paul Huber to Sarah Marley. Outcome: informational (no vote required).

- Acceptance of donations: multiple DonorsChoose grants to classroom teachers and local donations to Clawson Elementary and the DHS girls basketball club. Outcome: approved. (motion moved; roll call unanimous)

- Remove the early learning center from the district school finance system/ADA records (it is no longer an open school; preschool attendance records will be linked to the actual school sites or the new DHS preschool entity). Outcome: approved. (motion moved; roll call unanimous)

- Name the Douglas High School preschool program the “Douglas High School Early Education Preschool” and request ADE issue an entity number for that program. Outcome: approved. (motion moved; roll call unanimous)

- Remove preschool as a grade offered at Clawson, Ferris and Sarah Marley elementary schools for the 2025‑26 school year (these schools will be identified as K–5). Outcome: approved. (motion moved; roll call unanimous)

- Second reading and adoption of the student technology/device policy (prohibits on‑campus cell phone use; includes medical exceptions; includes smartwatches and other wearables in the definition of covered devices). Outcome: approved. (motion moved; roll call unanimous)

- Adopt the district annual expenditure budget for fiscal year 2025–26 (based on prior year forms; staff to return with a revision in September once state allocations and property tax results are finalized). Outcome: approved. (motion moved by board member; roll call unanimous)

What the votes mean for implementation

Staff emphasized that several of the school‑finance changes are administrative cleanups requested by the Arizona Department of Education so the district’s PowerSchool and school finance records reflect where students are physically served. For example, preschool students formerly listed under an “early learning center” will now be recorded under the school where they attend or under the newly named DHS preschool entity once ADE issues an entity number.

During the device policy discussion principals warned administrators and the board that stricter enforcement could increase recorded discipline referrals in the short term; administrators said they will include a signed acknowledgement in registration materials, hold parent and student orientations, and apply discretion (including restorative approaches) to avoid disproportionate suspensions.

Meeting formalities

All actions described above were approved by roll call with the votes recorded as "Yes" by the board members present. The board adjourned at the conclusion of the special meeting.