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Student representative urges practical phone policy as board approves high‑school handbook
Summary
The Montezuma-Cortez board approved the 2026–27 high-school handbook after a wide-ranging debate about a strict phone policy. Student representative Kaya urged gradual changes and classroom engagement; administrators defended centralized locked caddies and stricter enforcement to reduce daily conflicts.
The board approved the Montezuma-Cortez High School student handbook for 2026–27 after a lengthy discussion centered on a new phone policy and how it would be enforced. Student representative Kaya told the board that "a successful 0 phone policy depends on more than simply removing phones" and urged the district to ensure bell-to-bell engagement and to consider classroom caddies rather than a single central collection point.
Administrators and school leaders defended a centralized, locked-phone system, saying inconsistent teacher enforcement and hallway issues made the centralized approach more practical. "Every teacher is fighting with the students every period of the day. It's a beast to manage," a principal said, noting lockable cabinets were purchased to secure devices and reduce theft and disruption.
Board members and staff discussed enforcement, equity (special schedules such as band), and whether teacher planning and technology access could be adjusted so phones were not needed. Directors also asked that the student representative and other students be consulted on rollout and evaluation; Kaya suggested surveys and follow-up checks to assess how the policy works in practice.
The motion to approve the handbook was moved and seconded and passed unanimously; the board recorded that it will monitor implementation and consider adjustments based on staff feedback and student input.
