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Board approves handbook updates and adopts Alternative 1 for district cell‑phone policy
Summary
The board approved second readings of several NM School Boards Association advisories, selected Alternative 1 for policy #267 (cell‑phone use) and reviewed handbook changes covering discipline matrix, weapons, wellness rooms and attendance reporting.
The Silver Consolidated Schools Board on July 22 approved second readings of multiple policy advisories and selected Alternative 1 for policy number 267 governing use of cell phones and electronic devices in schools.
Associate Superintendent Luis Alvarez summarized handbook revisions that will appear across levels: discipline‑matrix clarifications, an elementary‑level cell‑phone policy aligned with middle and high school practices, updated lunch schedules and locker/search language. Alvarez said the handbook changes came after parent and administrator committee review and that elementary changes focus primarily on the discipline matrix and consistent rules across elementary campuses.
Board members discussed two alternative board‑policy texts for wireless devices. Hawkins explained both alternatives align with current practice but differ in tone: Alternative 1 delegates implementation to campus principals (as done last year), while Alternative 2 uses firmer language that prohibits devices except for enumerated exceptions. "Alternative 1 aligns with what you did last year," Hawkins said; the board later voted to adopt Alternative 1 for policy #267.
The handbook changes also revise weapon possession responses: principals will investigate incidents and may impose out‑of‑school suspension (a first‑offense out‑of‑school period up to five days, with a maximum of ten days and potential expulsion depending on circumstances), and police contact remains discretionary in some cases. The board confirmed the intent is to allow principal discretion guided by investigation and intent.
Attendance protocols were clarified: parents may excuse up to seven absences without documentation; after seven, documentation is required and schools will follow progressive notification and interventions, with a CYFD referral required once statutory thresholds are met. Alvarez noted La Plata’s handbook had additional changes and would be attached to the board book for final review before action.
The board approved moving the handbook review forward for final adoption at the next meeting and adopted the policy alternative for cell phones at second reading.
