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RSU 23 board reviews proposed limits on public comment and a bell-to-bell cell-phone ban
Summary
Vice Chair Barbara Roberge presented first readings of Policy BEDH to constrain public-comment logistics and Policy JICJ to align with Maine’s bell-to-bell mandate by prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices during the school day.
At the May 21 meeting, Vice Chair Barbara Roberge presented first readings of two policy revisions: BEDH, which narrows public-comment logistics at school board meetings by asking group speakers to appoint a single spokesperson, requiring recognition by the chair and a podium location, and prohibiting indecent or disruptive conduct; and JICJ, which would prohibit the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices by students in Pre-K through grade 12 for the full school day to align with Maine's bell-to-bell mandate.
Roberge framed the BEDH updates as an effort to ensure orderly meetings and efficient use of limited time and described the JICJ revision as compliance with state policy. The board did not take action beyond the first reading; both policies will return for subsequent review and possible adoption at a later meeting.
Why this matters: Changes to BEDH affect public-access procedures and decorum at board meetings; JICJ would change daily student expectations and require school administrators and staff to implement and enforce a full-day device prohibition. The board did not vote on either policy at the May 21 meeting.
The transcript records Roberge as the presenter of the proposed revisions; no public comments or formal amendments to either policy were recorded at the meeting.
