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Board adopts 2024–25 handbook revisions after debate over phones, bags and grade thresholds
Summary
After discussion about student safety, classroom space and academic fairness, the Cedar Springs board approved 2024–25 handbook revisions including clarified cellphone and bag rules and a change to the grade/credit threshold from 78% to 65%.
The Cedar Springs Public School Board approved the 2024–25 handbook revisions (items 1–8) at a special meeting on July 29, 2024, following detailed discussion about cellphone garages, bag restrictions and a change to grade/credit thresholds.
Administrators said the packet of handbook changes was developed with input from building leadership teams and student voice forums and will be distributed to staff, students and families the next day. On cellphone policy, administrators described three reasons for limiting in-class phone access: engagement, socialization and preventing exploitation or cyberbullying. "Those absolutely vile Instagram accounts of students being taken taking photos and videos of and then posted in these anonymous chats on Instagram targeting special ed students" were cited by an administrator as a driver for tighter in-class phone control.
Board members debated whether to require cellphone garages (locked slots) or rely on self-regulation. Administrators cited examples from Traverse City Central and other districts where a simple slot/ticket system was used successfully to remove phones from sight at the start of class while allowing teachers to use devices when pedagogically appropriate.
On bags and backpacks, administrators said the primary rationales are safety and classroom space; Chromebook cases will be allowed in class. A participant urged specifying maximum dimensions for prohibited 'large purses' to avoid ambiguity and to avoid disadvantaging students who need quick restroom access during passing time.
The board also discussed proposed changes to attendance/credit policy. The administration recommended consolidating three prior tiers into two and lowering the threshold used to earn credit via a final-exam pathway from 78% to 65% so students who demonstrate sustained work during the semester can earn credit. Administrators and trustees noted that multiple forms of assessment are acceptable and the state permits alternatives to a single final exam.
The board moved to accept the handbook revisions as presented and voted unanimously. The adopted changes will be published and distributed in the district’s standard channels and implemented for the coming school year.
