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Board holds first reading of student cell-phone policy under AB 3216, agrees to return for action
Summary
Staff presented a broad first-reading draft of Board Policy 5131.8 to implement Assembly Bill 3216 (Phone Free School Act); trustees favored site-level flexibility and asked to discuss the policy with a full board before adoption, so the item will return as an action item.
Staff introduced Board Policy 5131.8 (Student cell phone use) as a first reading and framed it as the district's response to Assembly Bill 3216, describing it as "brand new for the entire state." The presenter said the draft was intentionally broad to preserve site-level discretion and maintain practices already working on campuses, and that principals and site leadership teams can adapt practices by grade level or site.
Trustees voiced support for the policy's broad approach while noting tradeoffs with prescriptive alternatives. One trustee said broadness allows site-level pilot practices to scale organically, but another trustee suggested the full board should have a substantive discussion because two trustees were absent. The board agreed to bring the policy back as an action item rather than on consent so all members can engage.
The policy presentation and discussion emphasized progressive discipline, site leadership authority, and the district's intent to avoid mandating one-size-fits-all procedures that could disrupt effective site practices. Staff confirmed that the policy was created after LCAP meetings and principal feedback and that the district intends to monitor site-level implementation and return with recommended language.
