Tehachapi Unified previews stricter phone policy after staff, parent and student survey; board to vote March 10

Miss Paxton presented results of a district survey and a first-read draft board policy (BP 5131.8) on mobile communication devices at the Feb. 10 meeting. The presentation summarized responses from high school students, parents and staff: about 90% of students use phones before class or during passing periods, 27% reported using phones during class, 74% said they use phones for schoolwork, and 84% viewed phones as valuable for learning. Parents showed mixed responses but 80% indicated support for phone restrictions while 35% were "very concerned" about phone impacts.

Paxton told trustees staff responses were mixed: 71% of staff did not view phones as a significant classroom issue, while 40% said phones interfered with classroom management and engagement. The draft policy would allow instructional use when appropriate, address health-plan/IEP access, include smart devices (like smartwatches), and provide clearer enforcement language so staff do not have to confiscate phones personally.

Trustees questioned whether teacher discretion for instructional use could create inconsistent enforcement; Trustee Sweeney argued for clearer, more black-and-white policy language to avoid ambiguity, while Vice President Kelly and others said a consistent board policy would help teachers with classroom management. Paxton and trustees discussed enforcement mechanics (deposit systems vs. teacher control), liability for damaged phones, accommodations for students with health plans, and the need to include smart devices. Superintendent Bell and other administrators noted some campuses have already reduced visible phone use.

The item was a first read; no final vote was taken. The board scheduled a final vote for the March 10 meeting and asked staff to refine language on teacher discretion, instructional exceptions, and enforcement procedures.