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Board reviews phone-free schools policy update to comply with new state law
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Summary
Assistant Superintendent Anna presented a first reading of updated Board Policy 51 31.8 to implement the new 'phone-free' law: students' smartphones and other mobile communication devices would be kept 'off and away' while on campus, with limited exceptions for medical needs, IEPs and emergencies; trustees sought clarification on enforcement and equitable application.
Oak Grove School District officials presented a first reading on April 16 of an updated mobile-communication-device policy designed to comply with recent state requirements. Assistant Superintendent Anna said the district revised Board Policy 51 31.8 to align with the Phone Free Schools law (Assembly bill language cited during the presentation) and CSBA recommendations.
Under the draft policy, students would keep smartphones and other mobile communication devices off and stored during the school day while on campus, with limited exceptions when an adult grants supervised use, or in cases of medical need, IEP accommodations or during a schoolwide emergency. The draft also specifies that devices with cameras or recording functions may not be used to record others at school, and clarifies that smartwatches may remain in a 'school mode' or airplane mode but must not be used during state testing.
Anna said that teachers or administrators who permit device use must supervise it directly and that the district’s intention is to protect student data and reduce digital harms cited in recent research. Enforcement tools described in the presentation included directing students to power off devices, temporary confiscation until the end of the day, and, where legal and appropriate, searching devices consistent with Board Policy 5,145.12 (search and seizure).
Trustees asked whether the policy forces students to unlock phones for searches and raised concerns about equitable application across school sites. Assistant Superintendent Anna and staff replied that the policy does not force students to unlock devices; administrators may ask students to show content but could not compel passwords, and parents might be asked to assist. Staff said principals will receive training to ensure consistent enforcement and the district will run informational outreach to parents before implementation.
The item was presented as a first reading (no adoption vote). Staff said the policy will return for action at a subsequent board meeting after feedback and final edits.
