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Board adopts updated employee device rules and rescinds older student cellphone policies
Summary
The board adopted GCSA‑R (employee computer/electronic device and internet use) with a narrow amendment to allow teachers to send school‑related emails, and rescinded older student cellphone policies (JICJ) and related procedures that were superseded by the new policy.
The RSU 35/MSAD 35 board conducted a second reading and adopted updated employee electronic‑device rules (GCSA‑R) and then rescinded older student cellphone policies and procedures that duplicated the new rules.
During the second reading, the board agreed to a small change in section E.8 to remove language that would have forbidden teachers from sending school‑related emails without prior permission. A board member explained this was needed so teachers with IEP caseloads or other time‑sensitive responsibilities could notify families: "I'm a special ed teacher and I have IEPs all day. I need to send that email out," a board member said during discussion.
After adopting GCSA‑R as amended, the board moved to rescind policy JICJ (student use of cell phones) and two related procedures (JIC‑R and JIC‑E1) because they were duplicates of the newly adopted rule. The chair recorded affirmative votes on the adoption and rescissions.
Administrators said the changes reflect recent work by policy committees and input from the QEA during the district’s review of electronics and phone policies. The modified employee rule and rescinded policies will be reflected in the district policy repository and in staff communications.
The board did not discuss enforcement details at length at this meeting; follow‑up procedural clarifications and staff guidance were referenced for later implementation.
