Board tables new student cell‑phone policy and faces sharp public comment on transparency

The administration proposed an updated student cell-phone policy to comply with Michigan Public Act 2 of 2026, which requires prohibiting smartphone use during the school day. Trustees debated whether the policy had been vetted by the policy committee and ultimately voted 4–3 to table the revision so it could be considered in committee with assistant-superintendent input.

During public comment, several residents criticized prior board actions as rushed and urged more transparency in big-ticket decisions and staffing changes. One speaker said a rushed special meeting to hire the superintendent had excluded two Black trustees and described the move as an "unforced error" that undercut public confidence. Facilities staff and community members urged the board to consult building staff and maintenance personnel before approving major construction work.

The board closed public comment and set follow-up steps: the policy committee will review the cell-phone draft, and administrators will return with a committee recommendation at a future meeting.