Board adopts junior‑high device policy; approves athletic director and elementary principal appointments

The board approved a set of personnel actions and an update to the junior‑high personal electronic device policy.

Policy: After a third reading and staff presentation on communication and enforcement timelines, the board approved changes to board policy 511‑R1 and 503.09‑R1 governing the use of personal electronic devices at the junior high. Staff described the changes (earlier edits shown in red; later additions in blue) and outlined a communication plan that included a parent email scheduled for March 27 and student announcements; enforcement would begin April 1 at the start of the fourth quarter. The motion passed by roll call; Mrs. Wheeler recorded the sole no vote.

Personnel: The board approved two personnel appointments on the consent/regular agenda. By roll call the board appointed Christopher C. Dean (CMAA) as athletic director at Pleasant Valley High School and Chad Ruth as principal at Pleasant View Elementary School, both effective July 1, 2026.

Why it matters: The device policy governs student phone use at the junior high and includes a planned communications timeline for students and families. The leadership appointments fill key building and activity leadership roles for the next school year.

Next steps: District staff will distribute the parent communication and administrators will implement and enforce the updated device policy beginning April 1. The district will announce the personnel appointments publicly and complete onboarding steps for both appointees.