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Board debates student cell-phone blackout; members seek clearer guidance for principals
Summary
Board member Mabry moved to eliminate principals' discretion in the student cell-phone policy to enforce a blackout; other members suggested improved communication of intent to principals and targeted review at schools where discretion appears abused. The board discussed but did not adopt an immediate policy change.
Board member Mabry moved to remove principals' discretion in the student code of conduct's cell-phone policy, arguing that some schools have gone beyond the board's intended "blackout" between start and finish of the school day.
"I'll start off with this motion to eliminate the principal's discretion," Mabry said, requesting either removal of that caveat or tightened language. He asked the board to consider whether principals' discretion (for special assignments or designated times such as lunch) had been abused.
Several board members responded that the discretion language was included intentionally and that targeted communication or guidance to principals might address the issue without removing discretion altogether. "I would just kind of hate to leave take that discretion away from administrators if it's not being abused in a place," a board member said, urging staff to gather specifics and provide guidance.
Board discussion focused on where any problem exists (a few schools versus districtwide), whether to gather feedback from administrators and teachers, and whether a return visit on the matter would be appropriate. At least one board member suggested withdrawing the motion pending additional information; Mabry agreed to seek feedback and, if needed, bring the item back later.
The board did not immediately vote to change the policy during the meeting; the chair later accepted a motion to approve the consent agenda (which had removed the student code of conduct for separate discussion) and announced the consent agenda motion carried.
Board members also asked the administration to consider staff-facing policies, not just student policies, in subsequent reviews.
