Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
RSU 10 advances cellphone ban policy and updates medication policy amid procedural questions
Summary
The RSU 10 school board approved first readings of a student-device ban (JICH) to comply with a new state law and a revised medication administration policy (JLCD); board members pressed for clearer procedures, training standards for nonlicensed staff, and public posting of protocols.
At its regular meeting, the Western Foothills Regional School Unit 10 school board approved first readings of two revised policies: JICH (student use of personal electronic devices) to comply with a new state law requiring boards to adopt prohibitions by Aug. 1, 2026, and JLCD (administration of medication to students), which includes provisions for emergency epinephrine use by trained nonlicensed staff.
Allison (S9), speaking for the policy committee, explained the JICH draft was produced in response to recent legislation and MSBA sample language. "It says, by 08/01/2026, a school board shall adopt and implement a policy prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices for the duration of the school day from starting bell to dismissal bell," Allison read to the board, and the board approved the first reading for posting and further procedure development.
The JLCD medication policy prompted more extensive discussion. Jonathan (S21) questioned why parental permission for sunscreen — an over-the-counter product — had been removed; Allison and Kristen (S20) explained the committee, with input from district nurses and outside samples, had concluded sunscreen is student-administered and requiring parental permission would increase children’s sun exposure risk if access were restricted.
Kristen pressed for clarity about the protocol for selecting and training nonlicensed staff who would be authorized to administer epinephrine in an emergency and for making that protocol publicly accessible. She cited state Department of Education rules and Title 20-A provisions requiring written local policies and public availability of life-threatening allergy protocols. Allison and administration said the nurses determine who receives training at their discretion, that training will be annual, and that administrative procedures will be developed after the policy passes its readings.
Board members stressed the distinction between passing a policy (the board's action) and finalizing procedures (administration responsibility). After questions and clarifications, the board approved the first reading of the medication policy; the transcript records three abstentions on the vote.
Why this matters: JICH implements a new statewide requirement that affects student expectations and daily operations; JLCD sets the framework for emergency medication administration and raises public-accountability questions about training and procedure publication.
Next steps: The policy committee and administration will draft implementing procedures for both policies, and the board will consider final adoption after the required second readings and opportunity for public comment.
