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IUSD updates graduation regalia, student device and mental-health policies to align with state law
Summary
Trustees approved changes to graduation regalia rules (AB 1369), a districtwide mobile device policy to implement AB 3216, and a new mental-health policy and administrative regulation tied to SB 153 — codifying referral protocols and clarifying principals’ day-of discretion for graduation adornments.
The Irvine Unified School District board approved a set of policy updates to comply with recent state laws and to formalize district procedures.
On graduation attire, staff presented a revision to Board Policy 5127 to align with Assembly Bill 1369: students may wear traditional tribal regalia or objects of religious or cultural significance at graduation without prior authorization, though principals retain discretion to prohibit items that would cause a substantial disruption or physical hazard. Trustees discussed safety and the boundary between cultural adornments and political statements; the board waived a second reading and approved the change.
The board also approved a new district policy on mobile communication devices consistent with Assembly Bill 3216. The policy codifies restrictions on smartphone use during instructional minutes while allowing site-level flexibility and context-appropriate instructional uses. Trustees emphasized the need to support teachers with clear expectations and to tailor administrative regulations by grade band.
Finally, trustees adopted a new mental-health board policy and an administrative regulation to meet SB 153 requirements and Ed. Code 49428. The policy formalizes a referral protocol and a multi-tiered approach (prevention, tiered interventions and referral to community partners) primarily for grades 7–12 and instructs schools to publish referral information in handbooks and on school websites. Board members asked about data monitoring and longitudinal outcomes; staff said existing tools (Panorama, California Healthy Kids Survey) will be used and that more longitudinal tracking is a priority.
