Board Weighs Smartwatch Rules; Superintendent Says Keep Policy 'As Is'

The board discussed whether to change the district’s policy on smartwatches and wearable devices at the Sept. 16 meeting, hearing examples from surrounding districts and national coverage.

Superintendent Mrs. Guzik summarized peer approaches and national context (citing EdWeek Aug. 2024 data on district policy trends) and recommended maintaining the current policy and focusing on consistent enforcement: "keep policy as it is and let the teachers teach," she said. Trustees expressed mixed views: some cited safety and immediate parent contact as potential benefits of allowing watches in limited circumstances, while others emphasized classroom distraction and inconsistent enforcement across teachers and buildings.

Board members asked practical questions about School Resource Officer coverage and classroom management during emergencies, and building administrators described procedures allowing a teacher or administrator to grant a student permission to make a parent call or to use a landline if needed. The board took no formal vote on policy change and directed staff to continue monitoring and discuss again at a future meeting.