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Auburn School Committee approves consent agenda, grants first reading to student cell phone policy
Summary
On Nov. 5 the Auburn School Committee approved its consent agenda (including a certified contract for Lucy Deroche at Washburn Elementary) and voted to give a first reading to AUBJICJ, a refreshed student cell phone policy that aligns with a state requirement and enforces a 'bell-to-bell' classroom restriction.
The Auburn School Committee approved the consent agenda and granted a first reading to a new student cell phone policy, AUBJICJ, at its Nov. 5 meeting.
The consent agenda — which the committee approved by voice vote — included adoption of the meeting agenda, approval of the Oct. 15, 2025 minutes and the certified contract of Lucy Deroche at Washburn Elementary. Chair Pamela Albert called for the motion and the committee approved the package.
On the AUBJICJ student-device policy, Assistant Superintendent Scott Anier told the committee the district undertook the update after the last legislative session enacted a requirement that all school districts adopt a cell-phone policy. "In the last legislative session, bill was passed that all school districts needed to have a cell phone policy," Anier said, explaining that the statute requires a policy but does not prescribe specific rules.
The policy approved for first reading aligns district practice with handbook-level rules: devices are allowed between classes and at lunch but generally are restricted during instructional time — now applied "bell to bell" at the high school. Committee members asked whether the policy allows simple emergency-only devices (for example, phones without internet or with preprogrammed numbers); Anier and other staff said the rule does not ban devices from buildings but does restrict classroom use and that exceptions for medical monitoring or other documented needs would be handled in coordination with staff.
Pam Hart and Jay Rich said they welcomed a consistent, districtwide approach. Adam Platt noted the policy struck a balance between classroom focus and parental needs. Committee members asked for follow-up data on whether the high-school implementation affects bullying or harassment reports; staff said they will collect and report that information.
The motion to approve AUBJICJ for a first reading was moved by Pam (board member Pam Hart) and seconded by Corin McGuigan; the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The committee also scheduled routine future items, including an annual LRTC program presentation in the spring.
Next regular meeting: Nov. 19, 2025.
