Snake River board approves second reading of student cell-phone policy, plans soft rollout

The Snake River School Board of Trustees unanimously approved the second reading of Policy 3265, governing student-owned electronic communication devices, at its meeting on Feb. 20.

Superintendent Mark Kress told the board he had met twice with a parent committee, three times with the leadership class, and that high school class meetings were held to introduce the policy to students. He said the district plans a soft implementation beginning with the third trimester so staff, students and families can adapt to the change.

The policy discussion referenced an executive order from the governor encouraging districts to adopt cell-phone policies under the direction of the State Department of Education. Trustees asked clarifying questions during the presentation but no formal amendments were proposed. Trustee Lon Harrington moved and Trustee Toni Ibarra seconded approval of the second reading; the motion carried 3-0.

The board did not adopt additional enforcement language or a different effective date during the meeting. District staff will proceed with the planned soft rollout and ongoing communication with families and student leaders.

Next steps: staff will implement outreach and begin the soft implementation in the third trimester as described to trustees.