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Board takes first reads on instructional‑materials and cell‑phone policies after statewide law changes
Summary
Policy committee presented first reads of multiple policies: a reworked instructional‑materials policy aligned to new state law that limits removal decisions and narrows who may bring complaints; and an electronic‑device policy following the governor’s executive order, with limited exemptions and a progressive discipline AR that staff say has improved classroom engagement during early implementation.
At first read, the policy committee presented a package of policy and administrative regulations addressing instructional materials, library selection and electronic devices.
Instructional materials: Committee members explained the policy was retooled after recent state legislation. Two principal legal changes were highlighted: first, the law restricts removal of materials based on protected-class criteria and establishes due‑process features; second, it narrows who may file formal requests to parents and staff (rather than any community member). The committee consolidated multiple ARs into a single procedure designed to document selection rationale and to route complaints through the superintendent’s office; the board will retain final review authority only for core (adopted) curriculum.
Electronic devices/cell phones: The proposed JFC‑series policy implements the governor’s executive order with narrow exemptions for IEP/504/medical or documented academic use. The AR outlines progressive discipline (first instance: temporary confiscation with end‑of‑day pickup; second: parent pickup; third+: technology plan with check‑in/check‑out for a minimum period). Administrators reported early implementation at the high school produced more face‑to‑face interactions, quieter passing times and stronger task focus in classrooms. Trustees asked staff to ensure consistent training and to watch for equity concerns around exemption requests.
Other policies presented as first reads included medication administration updates (adding Narcan), directory information changes to limit public release of personal identifiers, and a new policy governing transfers to district virtual public schools when more than 3% of students seek a transfer.
