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Board updates student‑support and discipline policies, advances mobile‑device restrictions
Summary
The board reviewed and approved updates to student substance/health supports (policy 5131.6), promotion/acceleration (policy 51523) and a new mobile‑device policy (aligned with AB 231) restricting student phone use during instruction with limited exceptions; public commenters urged caution for students with anxiety and special needs.
The board considered updates to several student policies. Policy 5131.6 (substance and related supports) was revised to expand alternatives to immediate law enforcement referral and to align staff training with new state requirements. Board members described added training obligations and the goal of connecting students to support services before punitive steps.
A revision to the promotion/acceleration policy clarified that acceleration will be limited and exceptions made for special‑education circumstances. Members then discussed a proposed mobile‑device policy aligned with state law (mentioned as "AB 231") that would prohibit smartphones for personal use during instructional time and permit limited, documented exceptions (for medical or IEP accommodations). Several public commenters asked the board to permit supervised device access during recess or to clarify how the policy would accommodate students with anxiety; board members said they would consider an additional August discussion about implementation details before putting final language in the student handbook.
