Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Device Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board advances first reading of student personal-device policy over lone dissent
Summary
At its Aug. 20 meeting the Engadine Consolidated Schools board gave first reading to Policy 5136, allowing student personal communication devices before/after school and at school events while prohibiting use during instructional periods; Trustee Hopper was the sole dissenting vote.
The Engadine Consolidated Schools Board of Education advanced a first reading of Policy 5136 on Aug. 20, approving language to allow students to use personal communication devices (PCDs) before and after school and at school-related functions while prohibiting use during instructional periods unless a teacher or administrator approves the device.
President Daryl Schroeder moved the motion, which Trustee Nicole Solar supported. The motion carried with five trustees voting aye — Chapman, Moore, Nelson, Schroeder and Solar — and Trustee Hopper voting no. The motion was recorded as a first reading rather than final adoption.
The policy text considered says PCDs must be powered completely off when prohibited (not merely placed in silent or vibrate mode) and stored out of sight during instructional time. School staff submitted a memo urging a cell-phone ban during instruction as part of public input earlier in the meeting; trustees did not adopt a stricter ban at first reading.
Superintendent and 7–12 Principal Mr. Alvesteffer had earlier listed “cell phone restrictions — ban during instructional period — student/parent device contract” among several staffing and operational updates presented to the board, indicating staff attention to the issue going into the policy discussion.
Because the board took only a first reading, the policy may return for additional review or amendment before final adoption. The board did not provide a timeline for a second reading during the meeting.
