Board hears mixed views on enforcing new cell‑phone policy; staff urge fidelity before changing rules

Tess McCartan, the district’s executive director for elementary schools, briefed the board on the district’s cell‑phone policy committee and the August 2024 adoption and implementation of Policy 32.45 and its Procedure 1. McCartan said the district’s expectation is that phones be put away during instructional time and used only when directly guided by a teacher; administrators may confiscate devices for significant disruptions and return them to parents or guardians.

Board members pressed on enforcement and equity. Director Kim asked whether the recommended materials and content in classrooms reflect students’ backgrounds; other directors asked whether schools should move to a stricter “bell‑to‑bell” policy that forbids phone use during passing time as well as class. Supporters of a bell‑to‑bell approach said it reduces transition‑time distractions and cited other districts’ success when students themselves helped lead implementation. Several directors warned that any stricter rule must include accommodations for students with individualized education programs who legitimately rely on devices.

Superintendent Benner told the board staff see inconsistent implementation and documentation across buildings and that current data do not yet show a decline in disruptions despite perceptions. Benner and McCartan emphasized the district will reteach expectations, provide guidance on allowable instructional uses, and improve consistent documentation in Skyward so the district can evaluate the policy’s effectiveness before seeking changes.

The board did not vote on policy changes at the workshop; members asked staff to pursue consistent implementation, student participation in outreach, and improved data collection.