NICOLLET – The Nicollet Public School Board revisited its cell phone policy, during Wednesday’s meeting.

The board previously approved a policy for cell phones to be included in the 2024-25 Student/Parent Handbook. This was done to prepare students for the legislation in Minnesota Statute 121A.73 that requires school districts to develop a policy for cell phone use by students by March 15, 2025.

Superintendent Robin Courrier presented some revisions to the policy that now includes electronic cell phones, headphones, earbuds, e-readers, personal laptops and smart watches.

Board member Jill Martens questioned if something should also be included in the policy for AI.

“I feel that should be added,” Martens said.

Courrier said she would need to do research on what other schools might be doing for AI.

The policy currently recommends Grades K-8 leave all personal devices at home. If brought to school, they should be kept in a locker. Students in 5-8 grade may request permission to check their cell phones at lunch for the purpose of communicating with their parents or guardians.

Students in Grades 9-12 are encouraged not to bring cell phones or other electronic devices to school. Devices will remain in student backpacks/lockers during instructional time or on their person turned off. The policy includes confiscation and consequences which raised questions from the Board.

Martens questioned if the infractions of the policy are per classroom.

Courrier, confirmed the infractions were per classroom.

Courrier explained that there are different types of detentions. A student could have a 30 minute detention with the classroom teacher handling it, but if there were three or more infractions against the policy, there would be a major detention which is usually one hour after school. So far this year Courrier has dealt with five students getting detention because of the policy.

“Does each teacher keep a record of the infraction to the policy?” Board member Mathew Cabanilla asked.

“We need to track infractions by semester,” said Courrier. “Some classrooms have zero problems and other classrooms who have allowed phones now have a problem.”

Martens was concerned about the language in the policy that restricts recording and posting. The policy does allow it if they have permission of an administrator in addition to the individual(s) that are subjects of the recording.

“I think the policy needs to be more specific,” Martens said.

“You need to be careful about what you post,” Courrier said. “Employers will use Facebook to check on people, so you need to think about what you are sharing with the world.”

“We had photos when we were kids. Online is a whole other animal, but we do need students to have their memories,” Cabanilla said. “We have a policy that is concrete, but it is changed by technology. We’re good at this point, but this might be a topic that will need to be amended each year.”

“I think we can be more lenient because of our small school district. Everybody knows everybody. Robin can step in at any time and not give permission for a certain type of picture/video. And, if the kids are asking why they can’t take pictures, then the reason/policy should be communicated to them.” Board member Adam Erickson said.

“It is good for the community to know about this policy,” Board member Ashley Black said.

Courrier will meet with the Board Policy Committee before the next Board meeting to further review the policy.

“We will need a final decision at the February meeting to comply with the legislation,” Courrier said.