Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chico Unified tightens phone rules: phones out of sight at elementary, junior high; high school limited to non-instructional times
Summary
After surveys and student input, the board adopted a revised cell-phone policy (option 2) requiring devices be kept out of reach during school hours at elementary and junior-high schools and banned during instructional time at high schools; staff will draft an administrative regulation for consistent enforcement.
The Chico Unified School District board adopted a revised district policy on mobile communication devices at its June 12 meeting, directing staff to create an administrative regulation (AR) that standardizes enforcement.
Board members voted to adopt option 2 as presented by staff: mobile communication devices shall not be accessed by students during school hours at elementary and junior high schools; at high schools devices shall not be accessed during instructional time but may be used during non-instructional times (passing periods, lunch, before and after school). The motion passed unanimously.
Staff presented survey results from certificated staff, parents and students. At the junior-high level staff reported a high level of support for keeping devices off and out of sight on campus; students said successful implementation depended on consistent teacher and administrator enforcement. Bidwell Junior High was cited as an example where requiring devices in backpacks and consistent reminders had reduced problems. Students and some board members also urged better parent education about when and how to contact students during the school day.
The board asked staff to produce an AR that lays out consistent consequences and implementation steps, including first- and repeat-offense procedures, site expectations for reminders and communication to families. Staff said the AR could be drafted within days and returned to the board for review; board members emphasized the need for ongoing messaging to families and for continuity across classrooms so enforcement is consistent.
Public comment included anecdotal support for clearer processes: one parent said a consistent policy and strong site enforcement made phone issues rare at one junior high and recounted a case where a principal used a student's phone to contact a parent quickly during an emergency.
The board asked for the AR and final policy language to be shared before the next meeting and for site leaders to implement the rules with staff at the start of the school year.
