Board adopts districtwide mobile‑device policy after extended debate

The Norwalk‑La Mirada Unified School District Board on June 8 adopted a revised policy restricting student smartphone use on campus after extensive public comment and trustee discussion about enforcement and grade‑level differences. District counsel and staff framed the policy as meeting a recent state assembly requirement while promising further work with site administrators on logistics.

Dr. Gatto, who helped explain the policy, told the board: "there there's a, an assembly bill that was passed AB 32 16, which requires all school districts in the state of California to limit or prohibit the use of smartphones." Teachers and students who addressed the board urged clarity and enforceability: longtime teacher Kate Wilson said, "The way it works is very simple. Kids putting their phones up is a routine. It takes no time at all." Trustees focused on how to apply the rule fairly across elementary, middle and high schools and whether “bell‑to‑bell” enforcement was appropriate for younger grades.

The board's vote followed the second reading and a roll call. The recorded roll call in the transcript named: Mister King (yes), Miss Free (yes), Miss Amezquah (no), Mister Copeland (yes), Mister Rios (no), Missus Langenwalter (yes), Doctor Conseil (yes). The motion carried and staff said they will work with site principals on consistent implementation and training before the new school year. The board and staff emphasized that the policy allows staff‑authorized use and progressive discipline for violations while district leaders prepare site‑level procedures (e.g., pockets, caddies, or backpack storage) to support teachers.