Roseville board reviews Policy 400 first reading: K–8 phones 'away for the day', 9–12 'time and place'; AI guidance folded into acceptable use
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Summary
Board received a first reading of Policy 400 on acceptable use, which directs administration to set cell‑phone rules (K–8: phones away; 9–12: time and place) and recommends embedding AI guidance into the acceptable‑use policy rather than creating a separate AI policy.
The Roseville Area School Board on Feb. 10 reviewed the first reading of Policy 400, an update to the district’s acceptable‑use policy that adds a section directing the superintendent and administration to adopt rules on student possession and use of cell phones and to incorporate guidance on artificial intelligence within the acceptable‑use framework.
Staff presented an intent‑level policy that allows administrators to set site‑ and grade‑specific practices. Under the guidance discussed, elementary students would check phones with a teacher or the main office, middle‑school students would keep phones silent and stored in backpacks or lockers during the school day (including passing time and lunch), and high‑school students would follow a “time and place” approach with phones stored during class and permitted at passing time, lunch and before/after school. Presenters said the policy also covers wearable devices capable of sending/receiving messages.
Associate Superintendent Melissa Sonic said the district used the Minnesota cell phone toolkit and consulted principals and educators in drafting guidance. Student interviews conducted in January were shared: many students said they were initially unhappy but later found the changes helped them focus and complete work; a small number reported safety concerns if phones were stored in inaccessible bins during emergencies.
On AI, staff recommended folding AI language into the acceptable‑use policy rather than adopting a standalone AI policy, noting ‘‘AI is already embedded in commonly used tools such as Google search’’ and that an embedded approach gives administrators flexibility to address emerging concerns.
Board members asked about family outreach, accommodations for students with IEPs/504 plans, enforcement burdens on teachers, and adding a policy number reference for cross‑referencing. Staff said the board would vote on the redlined policy at a future meeting after taking feedback from tonight’s first reading.
Next steps: staff will incorporate feedback and return the policy for board action at the next meeting.
