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Board debates bell-to-bell cellphone ban and equipment options as handbooks go through first readings
Summary
Board members discussed a proposed district-wide ban on personal electronic devices 'bell to bell', operational options (pouches, caddies), costs, enforcement and exceptions for medical or two-factor authentication; policy remains at first reading pending cost and logistics analysis.
Board members spent substantial time in a policy discussion and first reading of student handbooks debating language that would prohibit personal electronic communication devices from 'bell to bell.' The board discussed implementation options — individual pouches (estimated $10–$35 per unit) that stay with the student and open with magnets at exits, classroom caddies that are locked and managed by teachers, or requiring devices to remain off-campus — and weighed enforcement burdens, equity issues and exceptions for two-factor authentication or medical needs.
"It's still only as good as the people enforcing it," one board member said about the practicality of enforcement. The policy language was kept broad enough to allow operational choices later; board members asked administration to gather cost estimates and logistics options before a final vote. Because the handbook revisions are at first reading, no vote was taken that night; staff committed to return with costings and clearer exception intake language.
