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Travis Unified board directs staff to draft stricter student cell-phone policy after teachers urge bell-to-bell ban
Summary
After extended public comment from teachers and parents, the Travis Unified board directed Superintendent Tiffany Benson and staff to draft options for a stricter student cell‑phone policy — including a possible bell‑to‑bell ban — and to return with recommendations and implementation feasibility before the start of school in August.
Board members and members of the public spent the longest portion of Thursday’s meeting debating student cell‑phone use and discipline, ultimately directing the superintendent to return with a draft policy and resource estimate before the start of the school year.
Teachers and at least one union representative urged the board to adopt a firm, classroom‑centered rule that would prevent phones, earbuds and smartwatches from being used “bell to bell” during instructional time. A public commenter who said he represents teachers told the board that classroom interruptions and repeated warnings were consuming instructional minutes and wearing teachers down. The commenter recommended a policy that would require phones to remain in backpacks during school hours, with limited exceptions for emergencies.
District staff and several board members signaled support for a more consistent, enforceable policy but emphasized that any change must be practical to implement. Nick, the district staff member who presented local indicators earlier in the meeting, told the board there is no consensus among families and staff and that the district should be prepared for pushback if a policy is announced without community engagement.
The board discussed possible models — a strict bell‑to‑bell prohibition, a hybrid approach allowing use during passing periods and lunch, and clearer, stronger disciplinary steps for repeat offenses — and focused on enforcement and consistency. One board member urged that if the district adopts new rules, administrators and teachers must be given workable enforcement tools and that any exceptions be clearly defined.
Board members asked the superintendent to provide: (1) a draft policy or options informed by educator recommendations, (2) the resources or operational changes needed to implement the policy (for example, procedures for securing devices during class), (3) legal and liability considerations, and (4) a recommendation on whether the policy could be implemented for the upcoming school year. The board requested that staff publicize a special meeting (or a dedicated agenda) and solicit feedback from families and teachers in June–July so the board can act before classes begin.
The board did not adopt a policy at the meeting. Instead, it voted to direct staff to prepare options and to schedule a special meeting before school opens in August for final action.
