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Newport‑Mesa trustees hear positive mid‑pilot results for Yondr pouch at Corona del Mar
Summary
District presenters told the board that a Yondr pouch pilot at Corona del Mar middle school showed high teacher approval and parent support, reported improvements in social interaction and fewer phone‑related discipline incidents; trustees discussed phased expansion and exceptions for medical needs.
Deputy Superintendent Carrie Torres presented mid‑pilot data for a Yondr cellphone pouch program at Corona del Mar, saying the district started the pilot to "improve learning and really increase engagement and decrease the disruptions on campus" and that initial feedback has been encouraging.
Torres told the board the pilot was authorized earlier this year and that CDM site leaders and a school‑site council helped design implementation. She said parent survey results showed roughly 70% approval and that teachers also reported strong effects: "almost 88% of teachers surveyed reported improved student engagement in classrooms," and 94% said the policy contributed to "a better school environment overall." She added the district used multiple data sources, including about 538 student responses to a survey administered in PE classes.
The presentation included CDM staff descriptions of reduced classroom distractions, improved lunch and break interactions and a decline in some phone‑related disciplinary incidents. Student board member Brianna Garcia, who described experiences at her school, said the pouches helped reduce cheating and classroom interruptions and that middle‑school students adjusted more readily than many high‑school students.
Trustees asked about next steps and equity concerns. Trustee Murphy asked how fast a district rollout could occur; Torres said middle‑school principals have been supportive and the district plans a deliberative, data‑driven approach. Trustees discussed a phased approach, possible extension into high schools, and accommodations for students with medical needs or who must communicate with family during the day. Trustee Ersoylu emphasized teacher feedback as important: "the feedback from the teachers is the most critical," she said, noting teacher buy‑in helps implementation.
The board did not take immediate action but signaled interest in further evaluation and site visits to observe implementation. Torres said the district will continue to collect data and bring follow‑up information to the board for deliberation.
The presentation and subsequent Q&A mark the board's mid‑point review of the pilot; trustees asked staff to continue collecting teacher, parent and student data and to return with analysis and operational recommendations before any district‑wide decision.
