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Chandler Unified previews hall‑pass portal, student device rules and mandatory‑reporting change; superintendent announces staff death
Summary
Superintendent Frank Narducci reviewed new parent access to digital hall passes via Infinite Campus, reminded families of a new cell‑phone policy aligned with recent state law, described expanded mandatory‑reporter obligations and announced the death of long‑time communications director Terry Locke
Superintendent Frank Narducci used the July 9 governing board meeting to highlight several operational updates ahead of the 2025–26 school year.
Narducci said parents can now view secondary students’ digital hall‑pass requests in Infinite Campus so they can see when students leave and return to class. He said district officials expect the electronic hall‑pass system to reduce paper and make monitoring easier for teachers and hall monitors.
To support classroom focus and to comply with recent state law, the district’s governing‑board policy on student cell phones was summarized: students may use cell phones or electronic communication devices only when expressly permitted by a teacher for instructional purposes or in emergencies; devices should be turned off and stored in backpacks or purses during class time.
On mandatory reporting, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mike Dela Torre explained legislative changes expanding mandatory‑reporter responsibilities to include board members and substitutes. He said that if school employees or board members reasonably believe a mandatory‑reporting offense occurred they must contact the appropriate agency directly — Department of Child Safety (DCS) and the police when incidents occur at home, and the police agency when incidents happen outside the home — and that districts should call agency dispatch numbers so the proper investigating authority is assigned. Dela Torre said school resource officers are peace officers but the district will call agency dispatch to determine investigative responsibility and that school procedures will not proceed until law enforcement has cleared the campus to do so.
Narducci also noted the district’s anonymous tip line (formerly Lightspeed Alert) will be rebranded as Stop It, and reminded parents to update contact information in Infinite Campus, register for transportation if needed, and watch for a ParentSquare message the following Sunday with back‑to‑school details. He promoted Operation Backpack to School, a community event to distribute backpacks, shoes and basic clothing, and reminded parents to hydrate children during summer events.
He closed the remarks by announcing that district communications director Terry Locke died the prior evening of cardiac arrest and asked the community to keep Mr. Locke’s family in their thoughts.
The board then introduced new administrators, including Trina DeCaro (presented to serve as principal of Willis Junior High School), and recognized students in attendance.
