Jason Slater reviews handbook updates on phones, online learning and cameras

The board heard a presentation from Jason Slater on proposed updates to the 2024–25 student handbook and then approved the handbook by voice vote.

Slater — introduced to the board to present the high‑school handbook — said the district is enforcing existing phone policies and that teachers have discretion to confiscate phones when they disrupt class. He said middle‑school students are not allowed to have phones in class and that he plans to push for consistent enforcement in freshman (9th‑grade) core classes.

“Not seen, not heard, not a problem,” Slater said, describing the expectations he will emphasize for students. He added that some teachers may use phones for instruction, such as quiz apps, but the goal is to limit distractions.

Slater described online learning as one of the handbook’s most significant changes: families will designate whether a student takes online classes on campus or off campus; the district has created supervised study‑hall settings for on‑campus online learning and has hired Trish Scarborough as a study‑hall supervisor to oversee those settings. Slater said if a student takes classes off campus, the parent signs a contract indicating they assume responsibility for attendance and supervision.

The handbook also now notes the district’s cameras capture audio on campus and in hallways; Slater said videotaping and audio capture are reflected in the handbook language and that parents and students were notified in the document. He also said the handbook includes added language on academic integrity and the use of artificial intelligence.

The board moved to approve the handbook as written; the motion passed by voice vote.