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MACCRAY board hears sharp drop in discipline referrals and previews stricter cell‑phone policy
Summary
Mr. Wheatley reported a roughly 55–60% decline in behavior referrals from the 2022–23 peak and previewed a phased cell‑phone policy that could require students to leave phones in lockers for the entire day; the board discussed enforcement, medical exceptions, and implementation timing.
Mr. Wheatley presented discipline and attendance data to the MACCRAY School District board and outlined a proposed, phased tightening of the student cell‑phone policy for the coming school year.
Wheatley said overall behavior referrals have fallen substantially compared with a 2022–23 peak, characterizing the reduction as “about 55–60%,” while noting a change in reporting procedures that could account for roughly 20% of the measured decrease. He also reported overall attendance near 94% and that 54 of 55 seniors completed requirements for graduation.
On student phones, Wheatley said the administration plans a gradual rollout of a stricter rule that would require phones to remain in lockers for the entire school day, with accommodations for documented medical needs. "We're looking at just having phones stay in a locker the entirety of the day," he said, adding that the administration will flesh out the full policy for an August board review and include any necessary health‑plan exceptions.
Board members raised enforcement questions, including whether images posted to the district’s Facebook page were appropriate and whether the district should enforce the existing dress code more strictly or change the policy. The board directed staff to screen social‑media posts more carefully and to bring a detailed cell‑phone policy and an updated discipline matrix in August for review.
The meeting also included personnel notes: members thanked Athletic Director Jim Trulock for years of service and acknowledged he is retiring; the board discussed transition coverage and upcoming strategic planning with outside facilitation starting in October.
Next steps: Administration will present a full draft of the cell‑phone policy and the revised discipline matrix at the August meeting; staff will clarify medical exceptions and health‑plan documentation for any phone exceptions.
