Board hears staff briefing and extended public comment on draft student device policy

The Ann Arbor Board of Education on July 29 received a first briefing on draft Board Policy 5.900, a districtwide policy governing student personal electronic devices, and heard an extended public comment period focused on phones in schools. Superintendent Parks and staff presented the recommendation framed around the requirements of Michigan House Bill 4141 and a model that treats elementary and middle school devices as 'off and away' while allowing high school students limited non-instructional use during passing periods and lunch.

Dr. Hayward, who co-presented the draft, told trustees the law requires the board to codify expectations and said, “This isn't discretionary. It's something that we have to do.” The draft outlines privacy protections (no recording in locker rooms, nursing or counseling spaces), accommodations for IEP/504/health plans, a graduated discipline model (verbal warnings before confiscation), and an implementation timeline aimed at a full rollout by the first day of school. Staff said building-level principals collected qualitative feedback through surveys and focus groups but that there is no single consolidated written report yet.

Public commenters — including teachers and parents affiliated with Screenwise Ann Arbor — urged stronger rules and more enforceable practices. Teacher Amy Vale said classroom-only bans were insufficient and cited national survey data: “The NEA did, however, survey teachers nationally, and 83% of teachers support cell phone policies that cover the entire school day.” Parents and advocates pressed the board to consider 'bell-to-bell' storage and secure pouches for younger students, to strengthen equitable enforcement and to plan for training and communications with families. Trustee discussion focused on practical enforcement questions in large high schools, documentation of warnings, equity concerns for students who must remain reachable for family or work, and whether passing time counts as instructional time.

Trustees did not vote on the policy; staff said the draft reflects current building practices and that a full student advisory report and annual review are planned. The board directed staff to gather more systematic feedback and consider clearer, numbered discipline steps and alternative storage/enforcement approaches for secondary schools.