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Stanfield board debates how to implement Governor Kotek’s cell-phone order in local schools
Summary
Board members and administrators discussed a state executive order on student cell-phone restrictions and debated enforcement options — from bell-to-bell bans to building-level protocols — emphasizing staff input, privacy (locker-room) protections and curricular exceptions.
Board members and district staff spent the largest portion of the meeting debating how to implement the state executive order on student cell-phone restrictions and how to write enforceable local protocols.
District administrator (speaker 2) noted the order and an OSBA draft policy circulated to districts: "Governor Kotek's executive order," the administrator said when introducing the topic. Administrators and trustees discussed whether the order should be enforced bell‑to‑bell or only during instructional minutes, how to treat passing periods and lunch, and how to ensure staff can enforce rules without engaging in public power struggles with students.
Administrator (speaker 6) emphasized staff input and practical measures: "I don't wanna follow kids into the bathroom," the administrator said, urging policy language and consequences that protect student privacy while allowing staff to enforce rules. Possible local steps discussed included transparent desk sleeves for phones, wall pockets in offices for phones needed during the day, defined curricular exceptions (yearbook/video classes), and a progressive set of consequences that could include parent meetings and temporary phone confiscation.
Trustees and administrators repeatedly said they want building‑level protocols and staff training before formal adoption. Several speakers recommended circulating a draft to staff during in‑service week and returning to the board after staff feedback. The board did not adopt a final local policy at the meeting.
