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CCSD moves to update phone-and-device rules to align with state law; parents raise pouch concerns
Summary
Trustees approved a notice of intent to revise Policy 51.36 to align with SB 444, clarifying permitted uses (medical, instructional, IEP accommodations, principal approval), prohibited uses and progressive penalties; some parents criticized school pouch practices at the meeting.
The Clark County School District board approved a notice of intent on Aug. 14 to revise Policy 51.36 — renaming it "Nondistrict'issued Technology and Electronic Communication Devices" — to align the district with Senate Bill 444. The board voted 7'to'0 to move the regulation forward.
Assistant superintendent Elena Kreiner Wilson summarized the proposed changes: a statutory definition of "electronic communication device" mirroring SB 444 ("any electronic device capable of transmitting audio, written or pictorial information, including wearable technology") and a clearer separation of permitted and prohibited uses. Permitted uses outlined in the draft include emergencies, managing health as prescribed by a doctor, teacher'authorized instructional use, and IEP/504 accommodations; the policy would also give principals discretion to authorize other uses in specific circumstances.
Kevin McPartland, who presented the prohibited-use provisions, said the updates align the district's code of conduct with state statute and include a progressive rating system for violations as required by SB 444.
Trustees asked how schools would enforce the rule and what happens when a student refuses. Staff said the policy is intended to be site'based in enforcement, that schools have used "signal'blocking pouches" as a districtwide program and principals have discretion over procedures, and that nuisance infractions start as minor discipline steps with escalation for repeated insubordination. Superintendent Ebert said the district's IT and security teams are working with implementation.
At public comment, several parents objected to pouch practices. Courtney Bivens told the board her son was told he was "breaking the law" if he did not place his phone in a teacher'controlled pouch; she said staff could not cite a statute. District staff responded that pouches keep devices with the student (on the desk or in a backpack in a pouch) so the device remains accessible while limiting classroom disruption.
Trustees said the policy is intended to follow the legislature while preserving medical and IEP accommodations. With the notice approved, staff will finalize regulatory language for a future adoption vote.
