Complete Elec. Device Ban Considered
The Council School Board met on November 19th for their regular meeting. Bob Grossen was absent but all other board members were present.
Mr. Pat Griffin gave his Superintendent report. He stated that this year their will be a review of the federal programs and that it is a lot of work. The state will be sending staff to support the district during this review. The district is also implementing dyslexia screening. $1 million in school modernization funds should be coming to the district in March. These are funds from the state as part of legislation that passed last year to help districts improve their buildings.
Griffin also spoke about a 2-hour delayed start in case of snowy mornings. This would be in addition to the schools snow day policy. This would allow the school day to proceed after a 2-hour delay, but ending at the same time.
Mr. Brian Joyce reported that enrollment is holding steady with a few kids leaving and a few kids moving in. Mrs. Clagg received a $2,500 grant to purchase cross country skis.
Policy 3265, which is the district’s cell phone policy is being considered for revision and was discussed. Current policy states that cell phones are permitted to be used by students during passing times, lunch and before and after school. During instructional time students phones must be secured at home, their vehicles, their school locker or a designated cell phone receptacle in the classroom. The current policy can be read on the district’s website at csd13.org.
There was a question about the enforcement of the current policy and whether or not teachers were enforcing it effectively.
The revised policy proposes that students will not access their personal electronic devices (phones, smart watches, etc) anytime during the schoolday on school grounds. Devices would have to be left at home, in their vehicle or locked in school lockers. There would be narrow exceptions for those with a medical need (i.e. glucose monitoring for diabetes) or as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) for those who need it.
The state of Idaho is encouraging school districts to adopt these policies and is offering a one-time $5,000 grant for those districts that do this. Mr. Brian Joyce stated that they would purchase locks with these funds to help secure devices in the lockers.
Mindy Ivey, district business manager, read several emails from the public and staff regarding this policy. Some urged the district to continue to allow some phone access during the day, some were supportive of a complete ban and at least one student was supportive of the proposed policy. More seemed supportive of the proposed more restrictive policy than against.
During discussion Griffin suggested that the proposed policy change be cast in a positive light, citing the evidence that phone use can negatively impact mental health, etc.
If you would like to comment on this proposed policy change you can email Mindy Ivey at mivey@csd13.org or attend the next public meeting on December 16. There is a public comment period at the beginning of their meetings where interested people can comment on issues before the board.
The board held their first reading of Policy 2580, use of animals in education programs. Not much was discussed about this policy change. Current policy can be read on the district’s website.
After an executive session the board moved to offer positions to a full-time guidance counselor starting January 6, two substitute teachers, several sports assistants and a bus driver.
