The Pulaski County Special School District board voted to amend Policy 4.47 to strengthen consequences related to student use of personal electronic devices in secondary schools.

Dr. Warren, presenting the changes, said the revised language adds a prohibition on using district-assigned or personal devices to record conduct deemed disruptive or disorderly and that "PDs where the person or school assigned used to record conduct considered disruptive ... will result in a 5 day suspension." The policy also raises the consequence for refusing to turn over a device to a school administrator: that refusal will now be a recommendation for expulsion rather than a four-day suspension.

The board debated the change at length. Several trustees and one parent argued that expulsion recommendations remove students from school and could be counterproductive; others said principals and secondary administrators had asked for a stronger tool because some students openly refuse to turn over devices. Dr. Warren told the board the recommendation for expulsion is not an immediate removal but a procedural step that triggers a hearing process and, under current state law, districts must provide instructional services to students who are expelled.

Board member concerns included alternatives such as ALE placement, Saturday school, or other supervised instruction so that students would continue to receive educational services rather than simply being sent home. Dr. Warren said district hearing procedures and progressive discipline remain available and that the proposed change was intended to curb willful refusal to comply.

After discussion, the board approved the amendment with a recorded vote of 6-1; Miss Potter cast the lone no vote.