Board adopts new 7–12 cell-phone policy limiting use to non-instructional times

The Lac qui Parle Valley Schools Board voted to adopt a revised student cell-phone policy for grades 7–12 after a presentation from district staff.

Superintendent staff member Scott Sawatzki described the changes, saying, “So basically, what this plan would say is our students would be allowed to have their phones at breakfast in the morning. And then once they hit advisory, all of that is instructional time. So they can have them at breakfast, passing time, and lunch.” The policy makes classroom time off-limits and places enforcement responsibility with the classroom teacher.

Board members asked for specifics about enforcement. Sawatzki said initial infractions would be handled by the teacher (a per-class consequence) and that, for repeated or refused compliance, the policy provides graduated steps. “At the bottom there, then it's in-school suspension. One to three days, it's in-school suspension,” he said. He also summarized that teachers would typically keep a phone for the remainder of the day when an infraction occurs, with return at day’s end.

The board moved to adopt the policy (motion by Shannon; second by Matt) and approved it without recorded roll-call tallies in the transcript.

Board members emphasized consistent classroom management and clear communication with staff and families as keys to successful implementation. The policy and the corresponding handbook language will be applied by staff for the 7–12 setting; the district indicated it had sought input from 7–12 staff and the policy reflects that feedback.

The board approved the policy and moved on to other agenda business.