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Santee board reviews staff, student feedback as California’s Phone‑Free School Act approaches
Summary
Superintendent Kristin Baranski told the board the district collected 333 stakeholder survey responses on AB 3216 and will present a draft phone policy at a student forum May 20; staff reported strong support for restrictions and concerns about classroom distraction.
Superintendent Dr. Kristin Baranski told the Santee School District Board of Education that staff and student stakeholders provided input on California Assembly Bill 3216, the Phone‑Free School Act, which takes effect July 1, 2026. Staff summarized a district survey of 333 respondents (55% teachers, 45% non‑teachers) and focus meetings with student representatives.
The survey results, as presented to the board, showed 96% of respondents said smartphones are a distraction in the classroom, and 77% said students misuse phones “very often or at least occasionally.” Other figures the board was given: 63% said smartphones cannot be used positively in the classroom, 93% said smartphones should not be used for educational purposes in the classroom, and 85% said rules should be the same for all grade levels. Baranski said the district’s draft policy will reflect stakeholder feedback and will be presented at a student forum on May 20 for further review.
Board members discussed outreach and consistency. Member Dustin Burns asked for a campaign to make stakeholders aware of new phone practices and for clear communication to parents, staff and students. The board did not take action to adopt a policy at the meeting; the item remains in the policy‑development stage and will return after the student forum and further stakeholder input.
