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Committee holds off on changing phone policy as new law takes effect; district data show phones tied to over half of incidents
Summary
Trustees decided not to change the district’s cell-phone policy now, pending implementation of a new law; GHHS data presented by staff show more students carrying phones and that over 55% of incidents this year were related to cell phones.
The Board Labor & Policy Committee discussed Policy 5209 (Student Use of Cell Phone and Electronic Communication Devices) after Kristin Perkowski reported that a law signed in February prohibits wireless communication devices during instructional time on school grounds.
Perkowski presented GHHS data indicating more students admitted to having phones on their person this year compared with last year and that more than 55% of total disciplinary incidents this school year were related to cell phones. Trustees cited a study they had reviewed showing a sharp increase in discipline in the first year of enforcement with modest student-achievement gains, and that outcomes in year two often return closer to pre-policy levels with greater achievement.
Trustees acknowledged increased teacher workload and discipline demands tied to enforcement. The committee reached consensus not to change local policy at this time beyond conforming to the upcoming state-mandated change; instead, members asked administration to work with school leadership on operational details for enforcement and to prepare clear communication for parents about the policy and its implementation.
Next steps: legal/compliance review from counsel (Thrun) and administration will prepare operational guidance and a communication plan for parents and staff ahead of the law taking effect.
