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Students press board on cell-phone rules and handbook updates; playground, track and activity-account questions raised
Summary
Students attending the meeting asked why the district is considering stricter cell-phone rules and raised questions about the student handbook, playground relocation and resurfacing the track. Trustees and administration said a Minnesota mandate requires districts to adopt cell-phone policies and that handbook revisions are in progress.
During the open forum at the St. Clair County Schools board meeting, multiple students asked the board to explain a proposed stricter cell-phone policy and other handbook provisions.
Student Reuben Hansen opened by asking why the school was considering "such strict phone policies," prompting a response that the state of Minnesota has issued a mandate requiring school districts to have cell-phone policies in place. "We are working on the state of Minnesota is issued a mandate that all schools have to have, cell phone policies in place," the vice chair said, adding the district will consider staff input and finalize direction with administration and the board.
Students also asked about the relocation of the playground (safety, fencing and projected timeline). Administration explained the move was driven by proximity to kindergarten classrooms and projected future enrollment and that the new location will allow fencing and give space for potential future expansions, with grassing and green-space work likely next spring. Questions about resurfacing the track were answered by noting that a replacement is "extremely expensive" and would require special funds or donations.
Board members and administrators encouraged students to follow the current student-parent handbook while revisions are finalized and said staff will communicate any changes to each class once the updates are complete.
No formal action was taken at the meeting on the handbook or cell-phone policy; the board directed administration to continue work and report back.
