Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Policies Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts cell‑phone rule, parent code and social‑media policy; construction update given
Summary
Trustees approved a new cell‑phone policy for middle/high schools, adopted a parent code of conduct and updated the social‑media policy; district staff reported the new school is complete, on budget and set for an Aug. 27 ribbon cutting.
The Appoquinimink School District board on July 8 approved three policy items and received updates on construction and operations.
Policies adopted
- Cell‑phone policy (policy 6123): The board approved a two‑reading proposal that places middle‑school phones in day‑long pouches and uses classroom pouch hangers at high schools. The district said it expects to supplement its pilot pouch inventory with roughly $50,000 in local funds and potential state grant awards (the governor's proposed pool was reduced to $250,000 statewide). Implementation is expected in fall 2025 with principals and teachers conducting acclimation and enforcement via existing student‑behavior systems. Officials said early pilot implementation projects reach compliance rates that improve over 1–3 years.
- Parent code of conduct (policy 6109 summary): District staff summarized a parent code of conduct drafted by a diverse committee of parents, staff and administrators. The code lists expected civil behavior, prohibits harassment, threats and recording of students/staff without permission in classroom settings, and establishes progressive consequences including revocation of event privileges and potential police involvement for severe incidents.
- Social‑media policy (policy 3115): Trustees approved updated language requiring staff social‑media use to be educationally legitimate, discoverable and aligned with district communications. The revision removes outdated text and emphasizes adaptability to evolving platforms.
Construction update
Facilities staff reported that the new school building is substantially complete and in limited operation for summer programs. Photos and walkthrough notes showed completed classrooms, a media center, kitchen, gymnasium and demolition of older wings; the construction manager reported the project remains on schedule and on budget with a ribbon cutting planned for Aug. 27.
Next steps
Board members approved the policies by voice vote and asked staff to provide implementation timelines, expected costs, and evaluation metrics for the cell‑phone pilot and parent‑code enforcement during the upcoming school year.
