Antioch Unified to roll out new cell‑phone policy and 'Big 5' safety program; committee urges more mental‑health staff

The Antioch Unified safety committee presented recommendations intended to strengthen day‑to‑day supervision and emergency readiness, highlight mental‑health priorities and announce a district rollout plan for the state‑required cell‑phone policy.

Director Cooper (student support and safety) said the district already has a cell‑phone policy at sites and will align with Assembly Bill AB 3216, which requires a district policy by July 1, 2026. The district plans a communications push via ParentSquare, student‑produced videos and site‑level procedures for confiscation and medical exceptions; staff will also provide guidance to principals about office procedures for parents.

The committee’s ‘Big 5’ safety framework—shelter‑in‑place, secure campus, lockdown/barricade, drop/cover/hold (earthquake), and evacuation—was explained along with training already provided to site administrators and classroom staff. Committee findings recommended increased on‑campus safety personnel (school resource officers, SR Global site staff, or classified site staff depending on site needs), strengthened documentation and intervention tracking for Ed Code incidents, enhanced mental‑health staffing and wellness rooms, more robust training pathways, and upgraded campus access control and camera systems.

Committee members and the Antioch Police Department representative said partnerships with APD and SR Global should be evaluated for consistent coverage, and noted budget implications for staffing and infrastructure. Trustees acknowledged the recommendations and asked staff to integrate safety findings into ongoing planning and budgeting.