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Chico Unified board directs staff to draft districtwide no‑phone policy and administrative regulation
Summary
After staff presented options and costs (including pouch systems estimated up to ~$388,000), the board unanimously directed staff to draft an updated board policy and administrative regulation to prohibit cell‑phone use during school hours (with Ed Code exceptions) and to solicit staff, student and family input ahead of returning in June.
The Chico Unified School District board voted May 1 to ask staff to prepare an updated district‑wide board policy and accompanying administrative regulation that would prohibit student use of mobile communication devices during the regular school day, with exceptions required by state law.
The directive followed a staff presentation on the district’s current board policy and site practices and a review of options ranging from classroom pouches and check‑in models to stricter AR enforcement. Staff presenter Domley reminded the board that existing board policy cites Education Code language that allows the governing body to limit or prohibit smartphone use on campus but also lists explicit exceptions such as emergencies and IEP‑required devices.
"The Ed Code says the student has the right to have [a mobile device] in the case of an emergency…
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