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Board reviews updated mobile‑device policy to comply with AB 3216; middle‑school practices standardized
Summary
As required by Assembly Bill 3216, the district presented new policy 5131.8 and revisions to BP 5131 that clarify phone rules by grade span: TK–6 (bell‑to‑bell), 7–8 (end‑of‑day access), and 9–12 (may be stored on entry). Granite Oaks middle school will align to bell‑to‑bell; trustees asked about parent access after school.
Associate Superintendent Marty Flowers reviewed proposed additions to Board Policy 5131.8 (mobile communication devices) and revisions to BP 5131 to meet Assembly Bill 3216 requirements by July 1, 2026. The policy draft breaks expectations into three grade spans: TK–6 (phones off and stored from arrival to the final bell), 7–8 (phones are off during the instructional day and available after the last bell to accommodate extracurriculars), and 9–12 (students may be asked to store phones upon entering campus).
Flowers said the changes are largely consistent with current practices and reflect board direction from earlier meetings. Trustees discussed Granite Oaks’ prior practice of allowing phone use during passing periods and lunch; Flowers said Granite Oaks staff support moving to a bell‑to‑bell expectation starting next year. A trustee noted limited parent concerns about the policy but asked staff to monitor reactions regarding after‑school phone access.
The item was presented for discussion; trustees thanked staff for incorporating prior feedback and signaled readiness to bring the policy forward for formal action if no further concerns arise.
