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Superintendent: phone-pouch policy and new curriculum tied to improved assessment trends

Gavin School District No. 37 Board of Education · February 18, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Superintendent Dr. Scott Schwartz told the board that the district's Yonder pouch cell-phone policy reduced classroom distractions (91% of teachers report phones are 'never' a distraction) and that Winter MAP data show strong student growth in math and rising ELA trends after curriculum changes.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Schwartz reported Feb. 18 that the district’s Yonder pouch cell-phone policy, implemented at South more than a year ago, dramatically reduced classroom distractions: teacher feedback indicated 91% now report phones are "never" a distraction and instructional time lost to phone-related issues was eliminated.

Dr. Schwartz also presented winter MAP assessment results showing broad student growth in mathematics and positive trends in English language arts. The district is in its second year with a new math curriculum, and administrators said cohort tracking shows more students reaching grade-level benchmarks as they move through Gavin SD 37. The district uses multiple assessment platforms, including ECRA, Aimsweb, DIBELS and NWEA, to monitor progress and guide targeted interventions.

Board members and principals plan data reviews with teachers to celebrate success and address interventions for students who need additional support.