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Draft handbook adds AI guidance and tightens cell‑phone rules; parents urge clarity on exceptions
Summary
Administrators proposed handbook changes that introduce a uniform 7–12 cell‑phone policy (phones off and locked in lockers) and added AI‑generated content guidance; parents pressed for clear exception rules for medical needs, field trips, athletics and emergency contact procedures.
Administrators presented multiple handbook updates for the junior–senior high on Aug. 3, including a designated cell‑phone policy for grades 7–12 and a new section addressing student use of artificial intelligence.
The draft handbook language states that students must keep phones and similar devices turned off and locked in lockers or book bags during the school day and that students may not take pictures or videos of themselves or others during school hours. "Students are not permitted to access their personal cell phone during school hours, including in the hallways, restrooms, and cafeteria," the principal read to the board. The policy treats a first violation as a level‑1 behavior infraction handled initially by the classroom teacher with escalation to the office only after repeated interventions; medical exceptions tied to IEPs and 504 plans are included.
Parents expressed concerns about a strict bell‑to‑bell ban for older students and asked how the district would handle field trips, athletic events and emergency communications. Administrators said off‑campus events and medical exceptions can be handled through exemptions and that a year of "growing pains" to pilot the policy is preferable to waiting for a state mandate. The draft also adds guidance on AI use and plagiarism, noting AI can be used for brainstorming but must be cited under academic‑honesty rules.
Board members asked for the handbook language to be provided in writing before any August vote; administrators agreed to share the draft and to highlight exceptions and enforcement steps for teacher interventions and office referrals.
