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Board reviews electronic‑device handbook options and moves to approve food‑service contract
Summary
Trustees discussed two options for an electronic‑device policy (a ban or secured storage pouches), weighed disciplinary and IEP accommodations, and approved a contract to partner with Compass Group USA/Chartwells for food service; staff will return pouch/vendor recommendations and finalize handbook language in June.
The Unified School District No. 379 board on May 11 reviewed proposed staff handbook changes and two options for an electronic‑device policy under a recently passed state law and moved to formalize a food‑service partnership.
Staff presented two electronic‑device options that align to the law: option one would prohibit students from bringing personal devices to school; option two would permit devices but require students to secure them in district‑provided storage pouches during the school day. Staff presented sample pouch pricing and inventory thinking: an initial per‑pouch price was cited at $35, corrected in the discussion to $40, and staff discussed buying a buffer stock (one illustrative number mentioned was 1,200 pouches) to reduce vendor lock risk.
On discipline and accommodations, staff emphasized that refusal to comply with secure‑storage requests would carry tiered consequences (first offense: confiscation plus parent/guardian contact; second offense: confiscation and parent pickup; third offense: parent meeting and additional discipline per the district handbook). Staff also said any accommodations written into a student’s IEP or 504 plan (for example, access for medical monitoring) would be honored.
“Option two … students must place their personal electronic communication device in a school secure system,” staff said when discussing draft language, and later added: “When asked at any point to turn over or securely store a device, refusal to comply will result in a suspension.” The transcript records trustees asking for clearer enrollment and logistics language and for confirmation about Bluetooth/headphone rules (staff clarified wireless/Bluetooth connections would be disallowed while wired connections to district devices could be permitted under accommodations).
On food service, the board moved and seconded approval of a contract with Compass Group USA (Chartwells division). Staff praised Chartwells’ performance and said the company would take on employment of the district’s food‑service driver and use the district food truck; staff noted KSD final approval of related paperwork was still pending.
What the board decided - Motion: Approve contract with Compass Group USA/Chartwells. Motion made and seconded; transcript records motion and second but does not include a roll‑call tally (mover/second not named).
Next steps Staff will bring final handbook language and an updated electronic‑device policy for formal approval at the June meeting, including clarified enrollment form language, pouch procurement options and vendor language once the district has direction from the vendor/owner.
