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Carpinteria USD tightens student cell-phone rules; board approves BP 6163.4 second reading
Summary
The Carpinteria Unified board voted Aug. 27 to adopt a stricter student device policy (BP 6163.4) that bans possession for TK–5, requires middle-school devices to be off and stored, and limits secondary use to noninstructional times; parents and union speakers debated student safety and enforcement.
The Carpinteria Unified School District Board of Education on Aug. 27 approved the second reading of Board Policy and Exhibit 6163.4, updating student use-of-technology rules to restrict possession and use of cell phones and other signaling devices by grade band.
Under the adopted policy, TK–5 students will not be permitted to possess cell phones, smartwatches, pagers or similar devices on campus. Students in grades 6–8 may possess such devices only when the devices remain off and are stored in a locker, backpack, purse, pocket or other concealed location during school hours. Students in grades 9–12 are allowed to use devices only before and after school and during nutrition and lunch breaks; medical-need and emergency exceptions remain.
The board’s recommended changes referenced pending state-level action by Gov. Gavin Newsom (Assembly Bill 272) but proceeded with a local policy reflecting current district concerns about classroom distraction and student well‑being.
Public comment before the vote reflected differing views. A parent who identified herself as Daria (speaker 16) warned that an outright ban could affect student safety: “Cell phones play an essential role in student safety…In an emergency situation, having the ability to quickly contact family members or access emergency services is vital.” She also pointed to local practices such as the Santa Barbara district’s “cell phone hotel” that keep phones accessible yet out of hands during class.
Union leadership voiced support for stronger restrictions while urging consistent enforcement, saying the district has for years had “extremely loose cell phone and tech policies” and that new rules must be implemented with fidelity to improve classroom atmospheres.
Board members discussed prior site-level practices, noting some students had used “dummy” phones to circumvent classroom storage systems. After brief trustee discussion and public comment, a board member moved to approve the second reading and the motion passed with affirmative votes.
The board said training and follow-up measures will come through site administration and that exceptions for medical needs and emergencies will be maintained. The implementation timeline and enforcement steps were discussed in general terms during the meeting; several public speakers requested a clearer, written implementation plan on a future agenda.
