By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Following up on the survey done of staff in the Rim of the World Unified School District about the use of cell phones in school, Associate Superintendent Shannon Hansen presented a revised district policy to the board of trustees at their June 6 meeting.
The last policy, Hansen noted, was set in 2019.
The new policy under consideration states:
The Governing Board recognizes that the use of smartphones, smart watches, and other mobile communication devices on campus may be beneficial to student learning and well-being, but could be disruptive of the instructional program in some circumstances. The Board permits limited use of mobile communication devices on campus in accordance with law and the following policy.
The District strives to create a learning environment free from distractions and interruptions while recognizing the importance of communication and safety.
Policy:
1. During School Hours: Cell phones or mobile communication devices shall be turned off
during instructional time. Students are not permitted to use cell phones or mobile
communication devices during instructional time except when explicitly allowed by a teacher
for educational purposes.
2. Designated Areas and Times: Students may use cell phones or mobile communication
devices before and after school.
Consequences for violations are spelled out in five steps ranging from a warning to temporary confiscation with parent notification and in-school suspension.
“I know a lot of people will get upset,” said Trustee Scott Craft. “They will say, ‘My kid needs his phone.’”
“We talked about that in cabinet,” Hansen said, “asking how we will communicate this to parents. This is a two- to four-year policy maker. Phones are attached to everyone. But parents can call the office and we will get their message to their student.”
Hansen added he has spoken with both secondary school principals about hall e-passes and adjustments will be made.
“Staff is looking for consistency based on board policy,” he said. “How enforced it will be is up to the site administrators and teachers in the classrooms.” Hansen noted that 80 percent of the faculty want a policy in place.
A policy like this is a living document, subject to change based on the students’ needs. The available data, Hansen said, backs up not allowing cell phones in schools. Superintendent Dr. Paul Sevillano noted he has seen this type of policy in other districts.
Craft suggested perhaps Rim could wean the students off their phones and allow their use between classes or at lunch the first year. President Jordan Zarate commented that he appreciates the policy says it will be reviewed annually.
The new policy was approved by a vote of 4-0.
ARTS AND MUSIC GRANT
As a result of the passage by California voters in November 2022 of Proposition 28 – The Arts and Music in Schools Funding and Guarantee Act (AMS) – the Rim district will be receiving $447,969 from the state. Eighty percent of the funding will be used to staff arts and music instruction; the other 20 percent may be used for training, supplies, materials and arts educational partnership programs.
Jennifer Whiteside, the director of educational services, presented the breakdown of how the funds will be allocated to each campus. “We just had a meeting,” she said, “about how we can expand arts and music to Mountain High School by giving those students a chance to come to Rim High.”
The whole process will take a lot of collaboration, Whiteside said. A preliminary plan has been developed and the district recently advertised for a full-time employee with multiple credentials
“I can’t imagine schools without the arts,” said Craft. “This is going to be great for our students.”
STAFF SURVEY ON BOND
In his report to the trustees, Dr. Sevillano reported on the results of a staff survey on floating a school bond. Of the 135 participants, 75.9 percent support such a bond, 3.8 percent said they do not and 20 percent said maybe.
The results, he said, were “well rounded” in terms of the respondents’ positions in schools. One question that came up: What are you going to spend the money on? “At the June 27 board meeting,” Dr. Sevillano said, “we will get the master plan.”
The superintendent added that $114 billion in needs have been identified to bring the district “up to a level all students and staff should have – that other school districts have.”
Editor’s note: The Rim school board meetings are open to the public and take place at the district office, located at 24740 San Moritz Way, Crestline. Those unable to attend in person may watch the meeting live or recorded on the district’s YouTube channel.
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