Board reviews first reading of a broadened student electronic-device policy and guidance on searches

The Rice Lake Area School District Policy and Legislative Advocacy Committee presented first readings April 27 for several handbook and policy updates, including policy 443 on student possession and use of personal electronic devices and policy 446 on student searches.

Committee members said policy 443’s title was broadened from "cell phones" to "student possession and use of personal electronic devices" to include smart watches, smart glasses and other non-district-issued devices. The draft clarifies that district-issued devices (for example, Chromebooks) are not governed under this prohibition and that designated storage locations (lockers or backpacks outside classrooms) are expected at middle and high school levels.

On student searches, the draft states that "School officials may use handheld metal detection devices, i.e., metal detector wands, when there are reasonable grounds to believe that a student may be in possession of a weapon or contraband, i.e., vaping device, or when school officials determine that the use of such devices is reasonably necessary to maintain the safety and security of the school environment." That language was presented as part of the draft policy text and discussed in committee context; no final adoption occurred — the item was a first reading.

Board members asked for clearer language regarding acceptable channels for staff-to-student communication (approved platforms such as ParentSquare or Google Classroom), the need for a separate policy addressing staff-student electronic communication, and specifics on where devices must be stored. The policy committee said further refinements would be made and the items will return for a second reading and final action.

No votes to adopt these policies were taken April 27; the board treated them as first readings and invited additional comments prior to a second reading.