Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Phone Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Superintendent presents survey results on Phone Free School Act; parents and staff favor "silenced and away" model
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Wildes reported results of a district stakeholder survey required by Assembly Bill 3216: 481 parents, 66 staff and 632 students responded. Parents and staff preferred a "silenced-and-away" approach; students were far less supportive (27%). The board was told a revised policy will be presented in December with a January 2025 launch targeted.
Dr. Wildes, the superintendent, briefed the board on a stakeholder survey conducted to satisfy the state Phone Free School Act (Assembly Bill 3216) and outlined the district's recommended approach.
He told the board the district collected 481 parent/guardian responses, 66 staff responses and 632 student responses (grades 3'8). "Only 27%" of students supported having a phone-use policy, Dr. Wildes said, while parents and staff were closely aligned in favor of restrictions that reduce distraction and support student mental health. The presentation noted staff and parents favored the "silenced and away" or "phone hotel" option over a full ban or locked-pouch models. Dr. Wildes said smartwatches should be included: "80% of parents and 92% of staff said yes" to including smartwatches in policy scope.
Board members pressed on enforcement logistics, emergency access and family messaging; staff recommended a consequence matrix, a communication plan led by the director of communications and staged implementation. The superintendent said staff plan to work with site leadership and teachers to finalize consequences and communication by December and aim to roll the policy in January 2025. No formal policy vote occurred at this meeting.
