Board adopts revised mobile‑device policy allowing high‑school phones at lunch and break

The Newark Unified School District board voted April 21 to adopt a revised mobile‑device policy that keeps a bell‑to‑bell prohibition for elementary, middle and McGregor campuses but allows high‑school students limited phone use during break and lunch.

Staff presented results from a short survey of staff (67 responses): 52% preferred providing a classroom "pocket chart" where students place phones at the start of each period, 37% preferred phones remain in backpacks, and 72% of respondents reported they were "not concerned" or "somewhat concerned" about students using phones only at break and lunch.

"It seems to be what the majority of our staff voted for," Board Member Block said in support of the second option, adding that the policy is similar to approaches being adopted in neighboring districts. Block moved to adopt the second option; the motion passed on a 5–0 vote.

Member Jones, who helped craft the revised language, reminded trustees that the policy covers all mobile devices, not just phones — listing earbuds, watches, Chromebooks and district devices — and said teachers retain discretion for classroom use of district devices for instruction. Trustee discussion emphasized a planned re‑survey at semester to evaluate practical effects.

The policy change includes implementation details: offering classroom pocket charts in many sites, teacher discretion for instructional device use, and a commitment to check staff and student feedback at midyear. Trustees noted that Chromebooks and other on‑task devices remain permitted when used for instruction and that transition time after lunch will need attention by teachers and site leaders.

What’s next: The board adopted the policy by motion (five ayes). Staff will monitor outcomes and return survey data at a later date to determine whether additional adjustments are needed.