Richmond Community Schools board debates simplifying cell-phone policy, keeping testing and confiscation rules

The Richmond Community Schools board reviewed a draft Personal Communication Device policy that would regulate student cell-phone use and clarify enforcement. Board members discussed removing a so-called "snitch" clause that currently reads, "A person who discovers a student using a PCD in violation of this policy is required to report the violation to the building principal," and debated how much of the enforcement detail should live in district policy versus building-level code of conduct.

Board member John (board member) said the snitch clause "adds no value" and suggested removing it because it is vague — "who reports? who violates? what are the levels of discipline?" He and other members said much of the detailed enforcement belongs in building-level rules or the student code of conduct.

Stacy (staff member)…