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Board advances first readings of cell‑phone restrictions and audio/video surveillance policy
Summary
The board gave first readings to an update of Policy 4318 (expanding K–8 device restrictions to K–12) and to a new Policy 7325 addressing video and audio recordings; legal counsel advised about North Carolina one‑party consent for audio and the need for signage where audio recording is in place (including buses).
The Caswell County Board of Education advanced two policy items on first reading at its June 29 meeting: an update to Policy 4318 on wireless communication devices (proposing K–12 restrictions similar to the existing K–8 rule) and a new Policy 7325 addressing video and audio recordings by employees and district surveillance systems.
Legal counsel explained that North Carolina is a one‑party consent state for audio recordings and emphasized the importance of notice and signage if audio surveillance is used (for example, on buses or in rooms where audio is captured). Counsel said Policy 7325 will require districts to post notices in locations where audio recording is used and to set out the purpose and retention of recordings. The board agreed to take 7325 first and then return to 4318 so the wireless‑device policy can align with the surveillance notice provisions.
Board members discussed enforcement, high‑school culture differences and the practical challenges of consistency across schools; several cited successful outcomes from a no‑phone policy already in place at one middle school as a reason to consider expanding restrictions. First readings were approved; the board was warned to expect stakeholder pushback, especially at the high‑school level, and staff said communication plans will be critical.
