Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reviews first reading of student cell-phone policy; rollout planned with further feedback
Summary
The board heard a first reading of a student cell-phone and technology policy that would limit phone use bell-to-bell in elementary and middle schools, define high-school usage windows, and add procedures and an education rollout ahead of full implementation.
The board reviewed the first reading of Policy 5-05, the district's proposed student cell phone and technology policy, and the associated procedures at its Nov. 19 meeting.
General counsel Amy Moore said the policy is designed to comply with state requirements while adding clarity about devices such as smartwatches and earbuds, and to give the superintendent authority to set detailed procedures. For elementary and middle schools, the proposed procedures would allow no visible phones "from bell to bell." For high schools, the policy would allow limited use during passing time and lunch, while restricting phones during instructional time. Moore said the policy will be posted for feedback and she will continue to refine procedures with staff and the superintendent; she described a plan to finalize procedures and to educate the community before broad implementation, with schools able to pilot components earlier.
Student representative Gavin Chabicka told the board his Maple Grove pilot of a phone ban had "engagement and learning...skyrocketed," adding that students adapted after an initial adjustment period. Board members discussed providing a grace period and varying rollout approaches by school. The policy will return for a vote after the second reading and additional procedure development.
