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Governor Wentworth board adopts emergency parental-rights and device policies; one member objects to device rule
Summary
The Governor Wentworth Regional School Board adopted two emergency policies required by recent legislation — a Parental Bill of Rights policy and an Unauthorized Communication Devices policy — with one board member voting against the device rule amid debate over smartwatches, discipline and enforcement.
The Governor Wentworth Regional School Board on Aug. 4 voted to immediately adopt two emergency policies in response to recently passed state legislation: Policy AB (New Hampshire Parental Bill of Rights) and Policy JICJ (Unauthorized Communication Devices). The Board waived the usual second-meeting requirement to take immediate action.
Dr. Elizabeth Sheckler, reporting for the Academic Affairs Committee, presented the recommended emergency adoptions and explained the committee's view that the district must act promptly to align local policies with the new state laws. The Board voted to adopt Policy AB unanimously. On Policy JICJ, which would restrict unauthorized communication devices during the school day, the motion passed but drew a single dissenting vote from Board member Kirsten Burke.
Board discussion of JICJ centered on practical definitions and enforcement. Members raised questions about whether smartwatches would be treated as communication devices, what exceptions might apply for medical or instructional use, and how much staff time would be required to enforce the rule. The Board discussed possible language to clarify the definition of instructional time and to allow narrowly defined exceptions.
The Board also approved a motion to draft a letter to the State Legislative Delegation on the subject; the draft letter will be reviewed at the next School Board meeting. During public comment, Adrian Champagne of Tuftonboro said that, as a graduate of KRHS, he appreciated in-school cell phone access, reflecting community interest in the policy’s practical effects.
The policies were adopted as emergency measures to ensure the district has interim policy language while administrators and committees consider any needed longer-term revisions and clarifying language.
