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Lexington 3 board gives first readings to updated phone‑use and instructional‑materials complaint policies
Summary
Trustees approved first readings of a revamped personal‑electronic‑device policy (JICJ) and a new process for challenges to instructional materials (KEC/KECR) that align district rules with state law, limit challengers to parents or legal guardians, and require use of the state challenge form and a 90‑day decision window.
Miss Bryant presented revisions to two district policies on Sept. 10, saying the cell‑phone policy had not been updated since 2007 and that changes were required to comply with recent state law.
"We had not updated this policy since 2007," Miss Bryant said as she described the overhaul to policy JICJ (prohibition of personal electronic devices during the school day). The proposed language adopts the South Carolina School Boards Association model, tightens definitions of the school day, updates disciplinary measures and leaves reasonable field‑trip discretion to supervising adults.
On instructional materials, Bryant said state changes require that only a parent or legal guardian may file a challenge and that the state’s standardized form and appeal path must be used. Under the draft, challenges would first be pursued with school administration, then at the district level, and—if upheld by the parent—could be appealed to the state board. The policy sets a 90‑day timeline for decisions and requires committee members to sign that they have read the contested material.
Board members raised enforcement and procedural questions: one member asked how the district would handle material posted after the fact (for example, an online post that reveals a day‑time incident). Bryant said the policy allows discipline when there is verifiable evidence that an incident occurred during the school day and recommended standardizing reporting and verification procedures with building administrators.
Trustee comments also covered logistics for the board‑level review committee (the policy calls for at least three board members; attendees discussed appointing members by nomination and availability). Trustees approved first reading of JICJ and of KEC/KECR as presented by administration; both motions passed unanimously.
Next steps: the policies will return for subsequent readings and formal adoption at a future board meeting. The administration said it will post required forms and guidance on the district website when the policies are finalized.
