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Board weighs stricter phone rules after high‑school pilot shows drop in incidents
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Busita reported a Mountain House High School pilot that reduced cell‑phone related discipline incidents by about 67%, and trustees debated tighter language to align board policy with K–8 handbooks and clarify exceptions for IEPs, medical needs, yearbook/ASB and teacher permission.
Assistant Superintendent Busita told the board the district is preparing an updated mobile communication devices policy for 2026–27 after a site pilot. "There has been a decrease, approximately 67 percent of students' cell phone related discipline incidents compared to last year to this year," Busita said, and staff proposed rolling a similar approach into TK–8 handbooks with school‑specific adjustments.
Trustees asked detailed questions about exceptions, enforcement and teacher burden. Trustee Boulet cautioned against overly punitive language and favored a more permissive tone; Trustee Modi proposed changing a passage so it would read that students "may not use" devices during instructional time to avoid handbook conflicts. Busita and others said exceptions for IEP or medical accommodations, ASB/yearbook responsibilities and teacher‑granted permission would remain in the policy. The board did not take a final vote; staff said elementary principals are finalizing site language for the 2026–27 handbooks and that the board will return to the item if needed.
