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RSU 05 board approves revised student device policy and AED language; administrators keep implementation discretion

RSU 05 Board of Directors · January 29, 2026
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Summary

The board approved second readings of three policies including a new student-device rule that leaves implementation choices (earbuds, procedures) to principals; AED language was tightened from 'should' to 'will' after an exchange about spare paddles and nursing plans.

The RSU 05 board on Jan. 28 approved second readings of three policies: JICJ (student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices), EBCF (automated external defibrillators) and EBBD (temperature standards).

Colin, chair of the policy committee, said the JICJ draft reflects extensive student and community feedback and that the committee adjusted language to leave certain operational choices — such as allowing earbuds or implementation of device pouches — to building administrators. He emphasized the policy aims to provide clarity while giving schools discretion in implementation.

Board members debated whether smartwatches and other wearable devices that can access the internet should be treated like phones; the committee noted functional devices that provide calling or internet access are included under the policy. On so-called Yondr bag programs, the superintendent said the district is not planning to adopt or budget for Yondr bag systems.

The board also discussed AED availability wording. After concerns that replacing used or expired AED paddles could create a gap, staff reported the nursing team will purchase backup paddle sets; the board therefore accepted changing the policy language from "should" to "will" in the relevant section.

Votes: the three policies were advanced on second read without recorded opposition. Administrators said the updated policies will be followed by school-level implementation guidance so that building leaders can manage details such as headphone allowance.

What’s next: the board will finalize implementation language at the school-administration level and can make non-substantive edits as needed to improve clarity.