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Board adopts state-mandated policy revisions on student directory data, devices and mandatory reporting
Summary
Maricopa Unified’s governing board on July 9 approved revisions to district policies on student directory information, electronic-device use and mandatory reporting to align with recent Arizona legislation.
The Maricopa Unified School District governing board on July 9 approved revisions to several district policies to align with recent Arizona laws. The revisions update district practices on directory (student) information, electronic-device use in schools and mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse.
Policy staff Miss Pastore told the board the revisions to policy 1‑401 and 5‑303 update district practices to match a law signed April 18, 2025, that changes how directory information and related parent choices are handled. The district already asks parents during online registration whether they want to opt out of directory information categories (a list of 17 items); the proposed changes add posting the opt-out language on the website and including the language in student handbooks to reach full compliance.
The board also approved revisions to policies addressing electronic devices (policy 3‑403 and 5‑305). Staff said the district’s handbooks already prohibit device use during the instructional day and that the new policies add clearer procedures by grade bands (K‑5, 6‑8, 9‑12) while preserving narrow exceptions, such as documented IEP or medical needs. Administrators said principals will communicate changes in newsletters and back‑to‑school messages to ensure families understand expectations.
Finally, the board approved revisions to policy 4‑204 to reflect a law currently in effect that changes mandatory‑reporting duties for school employees and board members. Staff said the law requires school employees and governing‑board members to report suspected child abuse directly to law enforcement and the Arizona Department of Child Safety; reporting only to a school resource officer no longer fulfills the statutory obligation. The law also places limits on SRO involvement in student interviews during investigations, and the district has updated related procedural forms and is coordinating with law enforcement.
The board voted to approve the policy revisions; all motions carried on recorded aye votes.
