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Bozeman board hears data, sets stretch LRSP mental‑health goal and a path toward phone‑free high schools
Summary
Trustees reviewed Youth Risk Behavior Survey data showing elevated depression and suicidal‑ideation rates, endorsed a measurable LRSP goal (fewer than 15% self‑reported depression by 2031) and directed staff to pursue community engagement on a phased move toward phone‑free high schools beginning in 2026–27; no final board action was taken this meeting.
The Bozeman School District Board of Trustees spent more than an hour on a proposed long‑range strategic plan (LRSP) student well‑being goal and associated action plan that calls for a multi‑year, community‑driven effort to reduce self‑reported depression symptoms among students.
Johanna Burkin, a district staff member and presenter for the LRSP working group, reviewed Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) trends collected from sample sizes of roughly 100–150 students per administration. She said recent high‑school survey results show about 36.25% of surveyed students reported depression‑like symptoms in the last 12 months, and middle‑school combined data registered about 28.95%. Burkin cautioned that the YRBS is a sample and urged trustees not to over‑interpret single years, but described an overall long‑term increase in self‑reported depression and suicidal thinking.
After robust discussion, the working group proposed a measurable stretch goal: by 2031, fewer than 15% of students will self‑report depression symptoms on the YRBS. The group recommended a mix of strategies to reach that goal: maintain and strengthen multi‑tiered systems of support (MTSS), expand access to counseling (including exploring funded FTE for mental‑health staff), revive peer programs (Hope Squad), pilot parent campaigns such as "Wait Till 8th" to delay smartphone access, and pursue unstructured play programs (Let Grow) in partnership with community organizations.
A focal point of the discussion was whether to move toward phone‑free high schools. The working group recommended a deliberate approach: no immediate changes next school year, further community engagement, and a potential phased move to a phone‑free high‑school environment in 2026–27 (with later expansion districtwide). Staff described existing practices — elementary and middle schools already require phones out of sight during instructional time — and explained possible technical and financial options for high schools, including phone caddies and commercially available Yondr pouches that lock on school entry and can be released when students leave campus. Burkin noted potential funding sources include community fundraising and state grant opportunities.
Three students who served on the working group — Tayla Trojgen (Bozeman High), Melina Maganito (Gallatin High) and Kaye Braun (Gallatin High) — told trustees the student voice supported stronger phone restrictions and separation of social‑media time from school time, while acknowledging expected pushback from peers and parents and recommending strong, transparent communications and student engagement in rollout planning.
Public commenter Steve Ron, father of a student in the room, urged caution and suggested a phased approach with safety considerations, saying rapid change could risk leaving some students vulnerable; trustees said they heard that concern and emphasized community engagement and planning before any final vote.
The board did not take final action on the LRSP goal or phone‑policy changes; trustees asked staff to continue community outreach, include rural and parent groups, and return with a final proposal for board action at a later meeting.
What happens next: The LRSP measurable goal and the full action plan will return to the board for formal approval after additional community engagement and planning.
