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Board adopts new student-device policy and handbook updates; discipline level adjusted
Summary
The board adopted a rewritten policy (JCDC) governing student personal electronic devices (defining storage expectations and moving violations to level‑2 tracking) and approved updated student handbooks; administration emphasized rollout, teacher support and annual reporting on disciplinary data.
The Shawnee Mission School District Board approved a new student personal electronic‑device policy (JCDC) that clarifies expectations for device storage — lockers/cubbies at secondary/elementary levels — defines what constitutes a violation and moves enforcement from level 1 to level 2, which routes incidents to the office and enables better tracking.
Superintendent Dr. Schumacher and administrators said the revised language is designed to comply with recent statute updates and to provide clearer guidance for families and staff. Board members emphasized the policy is not intended to automatically suspend students; Dr. Schumacher and staff clarified level‑2 discipline can include office referrals rather than suspension in most cases and that multiple referrals would precede severe penalties.
The board also approved corresponding updates to the elementary, middle and high school student handbooks so discipline language and operational guidance align with the new policy. Trustees asked for attention to an effective rollout: principals will receive guidance first and administrators plan communications and teacher supports before school starts.
The motion to rescind the older JCDC and adopt the new JCDC and updated handbooks carried unanimously (6-0).
