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After heated debate, Lancing board orders secured pouches and approves $30 phone fee with opt‑out
Summary
Following a new state mandate on student devices, the board voted to buy magnetic 'yonder' pouches to secure student electronics and approved a $30 cell‑phone fee with an opt‑out process and discounted rates for eligible families; the purchase passed 6–1 amid concerns about cost and staff burden.
The Lancing USD 469 board voted on June 8 to purchase magnetic ‘yonder’ pouches and to add a $30 per‑student fee (with an opt‑out option and reduced waivers for eligible families) to comply with a new state law requiring students’ personal electronic devices be secured during the school day.
Administration presented several compliance options — leaving phones at home, locking devices in wall lockers, software signal‑blocking, or using locked pouches — and recommended yonder pouches as the least disruptive approach that meets the statutory requirement that devices be secured and inaccessible to students from bell to bell. Superintendent Marty explained that the change is an unfunded legislative mandate and that the district had limited practical options to demonstrate compliance.
Board members debated cost and equity. Mrs. Kennedy and Mr. Penfield favored the pouches as a pragmatic, least‑disruptive solution; Mrs. Workman repeatedly objected to the district bearing the up‑front cost and said she doubts the approach will fully solve misuse, calling it an unfunded legislative burden. The board voted 6–1 to approve the pouch purchase (motion passed) and later voted 6–1 to add a $30 fee to the district’s school fees schedule, with an opt‑out form for families who certify their child will not bring a device and fee reductions or waivers for free‑ and reduced‑price meal families.
Administrators described implementation logistics: each morning teachers will verify devices are placed in pouches; pouches can be unlocked by staff in emergencies and will be included in evacuation go‑bags for access if necessary. The board asked staff to return with fee language and an administrative process for opt‑outs and replacements.
The decisions close a months‑long district discussion that centered on balancing classroom disruption, parental choice and legal compliance. Board members asked the superintendent to keep the board updated on costs, implementation problems and any state guidance about penalties for noncompliance.
