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Casa Grande Union board adopts state-aligned student cell-phone policy
Summary
The Casa Grande Union High School District board approved second reading and adoption of district policy JICJ, updating student phone use to align with a new state law that restricts phone use during instructional hours to educational purposes; the board also discussed implementation, medical exemptions and staff expectations.
The Casa Grande Union High School District board on June 9 approved a revised student cell-phone policy (JICJ) that the superintendent described as required by a recently enacted state law.
Board discussion focused on how the district will interpret the statute in daily practice. The presenter said the district’s reading of the law treats passing periods and lunch as "educational purposes," which allows limited phone access for school-related communications during those times. "The law said that passing periods and lunch are considered educational purposes," the presenter said, describing conversations with state legislators about implementation.
Parents and several board members said they were concerned about ensuring students and families can exchange urgent information. One board member asked whether phones would be usable for students to contact parents during the day; the presenter replied medical exemptions exist and staff will put procedures in place to permit necessary communications.
Board members also discussed staff use of phones and expectations for modeling appropriate behavior. The presenter said teachers should use phones only for emergencies during instruction and that the district will work on messaging and training. The board emphasized consistent enforcement and asked staff to return with clear procedures for parents and teachers.
A motion to approve the second reading and adopt district policy JICJ was moved and seconded; the clerk called the vote and board members recorded affirmative votes. The policy adoption was approved as presented. The board did not amend the policy language at the meeting and directed staff to develop implementation guidance for parents and teachers.
