Londonderry board advances cell‑phone policy first reading, approves overnight trips and continues full‑day kindergarten planning

The Londonderry School Board on Sept. 23 conducted a first reading of a revised cell‑phone policy (JICJ) to conform with a state law signed by the governor in June that restricts phone use during instructional time, approved overnight student trips, agreed to form a committee to study a potential town tax cap, and continued planning for full‑day kindergarten and chronic absenteeism interventions.

Cell‑phone policy: The board reviewed revisions to policy JICJ that respond to a new state requirement banning phone use during instructional time. The draft deletes a paragraph that had created ambiguity about non‑instructional areas and clarifies that devices must be “away” (for example in a backpack or pocket, unseen) except where specific IEP or 504 accommodations apply. Administration said exemptions for students with disabilities are preserved and that the Department of Education guidance and a New Hampshire School Boards sample policy informed the changes. Student speaker Julian Brennan had urged clearer…