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Board debates state-required cell phone policy; moves revised policy and related 5,000-series items into reading process
Summary
The board debated a state-mandated policy on Internet-enabled devices that would restrict personal device use during the school day while allowing limited, approved instructional and accommodation-based exceptions.
The board held an extended discussion on a proposed district policy that implements new state requirements on Internet-enabled devices (cell phones and similar devices).
Policy committee members presented a model-based draft intended to comply with the state law. The proposal discourages personal devices in class, requires devices to be stowed (locker, cubby or backpack) and allows specific exemptions with administrative approval — for medical needs, documented accommodations (IEP/504) or teacher-authorized instructional use.
Board members raised multiple concerns about scope and implementation: whether the policy language should target only “Internet-enabled devices” or all devices; how to handle non-Internet phones or flip phones; impacts on students who use personal tablets and laptops for educational work (including robotics and advanced coursework); how exemptions will be processed; and how building-level administrative regulations will be drafted and communicated.
A student representative raised concerns about performance limits on school-issued devices and urged exemptions for clubs and activities that require higher-performance hardware.
Policy lead and administrators said the intent is to meet the state deadline and to draft administrative regulations over the summer that would specify building-level procedures, exemptions and implementation steps. Board members requested broad community and student consultation and a clear communication plan.
On the motion presented, the board voted to waive second reading and approve revised policy 5670 (typographic update) and to approve new policy 5695 (cell phone/Internet-enabled devices) for first reading, and to move revised policy 70, a new policy 80 and the remainder of the 5,000-series into second reading for the next regular meeting. Board members stressed this is an initial step and that the policy and accompanying administrative regulation will be revisited as administrators develop implementation protocols.
