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Board approves updated phone‑free policy to comply with California law; staff to lead rollout
Summary
The board approved revisions to the district's cell‑phone policy to align with AB 3216 (Phone Free Schools Act), clarifying exceptions (medical/IEP), privacy protections, disciplinary steps and rollout plans including signage and parent notification.
The Oxnard School District Board of Trustees voted on March 25 to adopt updated mobile‑device policy language to comply with California’s Phone Free Schools Act (AB 3216) and to plan a districtwide rollout.
Staff presented the act’s key requirements: adopt comprehensive smartphone‑use policies by July 1, 2026; include meaningful stakeholder input during drafting; and identify privacy and safety exceptions. District staff said they had reviewed existing guidelines, incorporated CSBA recommendations and met with parents, teachers and PBIS teams to draft updates.
Major policy points explained at the meeting:
- Universal restriction during school hours: staff said policy limits smart device use during instructional time, recess and lunch, with clear exceptions for medical needs and IEP accommodations; site staff and teachers can authorize limited uses in specific instructional circumstances.
- Privacy and enforcement: the policy adds language protecting student device privacy from district monitoring except under warrant or documented emergency. The district also refined progressive discipline language: a notice/warning, office collection and documented pickup at day's end to avoid inconsistent enforcement by multiple teachers.
- Communication and rollout: staff will publish materials for parents and staff, update the annual Parent Rights notice, provide signage for sites, schedule meetings with PBIS teams and host trimester implementation reviews to gather feedback and adjust practices.
Trustees raised questions about parent contact during arrivals/dismissals, teacher use of personal devices, and logistical details for parents who need to reach children before students step onto campus. Staff clarified phones may be used off campus for parent contact and that office phones and established processes remain available. Trustees approved the updated policy on a roll‑call vote recorded as 'Aye.'
