001I'd like to call the public schools of Robertson County Policy Committee to uh order. Um we'll start with a moment of silence. Thank you. to start. Um, just to name out policy committee members that are present, we've got uh Dr. Terry Lleair, um, Craig Lowry, and Melissa Oceans trying to get on virtually. She's having some some difficulties. And looks like we have Miss Martha Lleair virtual. Um, we'll move to topics. Uh, spring policy updates 2025. U Mr. Bobby Lclair. >> Good good evening, Chairman Phillips. Um the majority of our policies we're going to walk through today uh will be updated or making reference to Title 9 policies or procedures as required by the federal government. So about two years ago, we updated all of our tit title n policies to meet federal mandates as of
002that time. Since that time or in between that time uh administrations changed of course and so we met to revise all of our title nine policies and now we are back again because of administrative changes to revi to revert the majority or almost all of our title nine policies back to what they were about two years ago. So although you're going to see a lot of red in these policies, all of these policies are just simply reverting back to where we were at two years ago. So it's not anything new or anything we're not we're unfamiliar with and stuff that we were already doing. So just to walk through some uh very quickly through these, our parental engagement policy uh makes reference to title nine now where it did not before. And if I'm not
003mistaken, it adds in sexual harassment and how to rep um making sure that we notify our parents about sexual harassment and that grievance policy should they have an issue. Also within policy 1310, it makes reference to our other policies that parents would be would need to know about should their situation arise. Uh 1510 school safety um rewards all of our policies to go into align with the new title 9 policies 1710 1726 1735 and that's the only update in 1510 is uh policy references 1710 10 uh discrimination and harassment prohibited by federal law. Removes some of the previous language uh definitions uh of on the basis of sex and simply talks about sexual harassment in this policy. We will need to update this policy 1710 on page nine to include our new section 504 coordinator
004which is Dr. Sherry Hearnden. Um the other folks will remain the same. Dr. Carr is our ADA coordinator. Mr. Campbell would discuss anything with age discrimination and any other discriminatory laws would come to my office. So the bulk of the changes now you're going to begin to see in 1720. Again, all of this removes the language from the pre from the previous administration to revert back to where we were at two years ago. So again, you're going to see a lot of red, a lot that's under that's uh struck through. Again, it's just to align with the new administration's thought on Title N. Both of these policies make reference to superintendent making our policies available to parents, students, employees. So we do have posters that are available that are hung in the school. We will
005have to modify some of the wording on there to fit fit these new policies, but those will be in place. We also will have our title n our title n policy posted on our website. So once these new policies are approved, we will remove the old one and replace it with the ones that are currently going to be adopted. So we will have to resend the old policy 1725 and come with a complete rewrite. So that's why you see the old policy all of that is completely struck through. and 1726 makes reference to our grievance process under title 9 and as referred to earlier Dr. Carr is our title nine um contact and investigator for for uh the district. There's also an update to 1735. Our bullying and harassing policy again takes the adds the
006language sexual harassment prohibited conduct and reporting procedures in this policy. [Music] got um board member Melissa Ocean just joined us firstly. So, part of the spring policy updates that came from the North Carolina School Board Association makes reference to revising our remote participation in board meeting policy 2302. Um, as you know, this was in our previous fall updates in 24 had conversation with our board of attorney uh Mr. Schwarz and also followed back up with his office today. the lawsuit that brought around brought about the change back in 24 that was appealed through the North Carolina Supreme Court. So at this time it is the ple it is the pleasure from us to leave a 2302 in place. Leave our remote policy in place not accept the recommendations that are or have come from the
007schoolboard association. Our remote policy covers everything that we need in order for members of the board to rem to uh participate remotely. There were some other things in the old revision that came out in the fall that said remote participation would not meet the quorum that has been appealed. There's some other things within that that are no longer relevant and say we feel it's best that we just leave our old 2302 in place. And and Bobby, that policy makes it clear there has to be a state of emergency. >> Correct. So there are two ways that a board member can participate remotely. One is through a um a state of emergency. The other is for health reasons and those reasons are outlined. >> So you're saying if I want to participate, may may I speak?
008Yeah. Go ahead, Dr. Emanuel. Sorry. And I I forgot to include you while I go. And Dr. Emanuel's present. >> I'm not on the committee. I'm just here as a observer. >> I guess I'm confused. The state recommended that we not be virtual unless what now? >> So, >> I mean a member. >> Yes. So, originally back in fall of 24, there was a a lawsuit between Anson County and I cannot remember the other party where they say they violated the remote meeting law. So, that made it all the way to Supreme Court up to this. >> So, the Supreme Court is now saying that uh that lawsuit really did not have value. So, the advice from our attorney is that the way we have written 2302 is in good standing. There's not issue with
009our current policy that we meet all the requirements in order for board members to participate remotely. And again, those two instances couldn't be uh in the state of emergency whether locally or state uh authorized and health conditions. >> So you're saying we can participate remotely only if we have a health emergency help only uh due to an emergency and and because of health reasons. >> Yes, that's correct. Is there a limit to the number of times that we can participate uh remotely? >> It was think Dr. Emanuel. >> I remember hearing that one Thomas. >> Which one? Baby, >> will you read it? Do you mind? Would you allow her to read what she found out the card? >> You don't you got So number three says, "No board member shall participate remotely more than
010three times during a calendar year for a reason other than an order of quarantine, isolation, stay-at-home mandate, or recommen recommendation to limit public interaction. That's reg. This is regular meetings." And Bobby, read the last part of that. Could the board can wave that limitation? >> Yes, they can wave the board has the right to wave that limitation by two twoird vote. >> Um, Dr. Terry. >> So, Mr. Bobby, if I'm looking here at our um proposed uh policy code 2302 under subsection C, conditions and requirements for remote participation, it says a member may attend a meeting remotely if the member is prevented from is prevented from physically attending the meeting due to physical illness, disability, quarantine, isolation, uh public health issues, out of town travel, unexpected l lack of child care, family member illness or
011family emergency, weather conditions, military service or employment obligations. >> Yes. And those are the same that is in our adopted policy. >> So you just said a few minutes ago there was two reason two there there's a state of emergency and what was the other one? So the currently the current policy the the wording does go back and forth. Um so it's got uh re a state declared emergency and a locally developed a locally declared emergency. Maybe um maybe my interpretation is is different. Maybe we can have a fully virtual meeting if those two apply. That is correct >> there. Okay. All right. Now, we're talking about two different things. So, we can have a fully virtual meeting if the two apply that Mr. Bobby mentioned, but if an individual board member has these issues,
012an individual board member can participate remotely. Correct. With the limit. >> With the limit. >> With Of course. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Okay. So, I have a I have a question and it goes in it was along the lines of what Terry was asking um about the conditions, but and these are just for regularly scheduled board meetings, right? It's not for these subcommittee meetings, correct? That's correct. >> All right. Thank you. >> Hit your button again. >> One more time. Here it is. All right. M. >> Thank you, Mr. Phillips. Uh, have a couple of questions. Uh, and Dr. Terry, when um I want to say it was Florence We had a virtual meeting and uh it's it's not an easy thing to do but uh we had a virtual meeting during
013the time that we were out with all the board members. So I know it's occurred at least one time and we might have had two meetings in that time. Um there's probably a couple of questions just to help remind me. Uh if if there's red in here with a line through it, that is meaning it's discarded or >> Okay. red with a line. >> Yes. Okay. And then the red where there's no line, that's something that's being added that's new. Correct. Okay. And then there's places where there's just red, maybe a word or two, some kind of change. Uh with the Title N stuff in here, as you said, we're going back to what we were doing. Uh Mr. Schwarz is familiar with all this and has gave his blessings upon all of this with
014Title N. >> Yes. So, uh, I reviewed and they sent us, uh, his office sent us an email last week to clarify some of the points within all of this, and everything they sent us matches the recommendations from the schoolboard association. >> Okay. U, and, and my only other comment, and I'm glad the principles are here, um, Title N and EC issues, folks, y'all know this better than I do, can cause us more headaches probably than anything. And uh just I just asked that uh we got these policies here and just make sure we're consistent with what we do with Title N for boys and girls in our schools. Uh because I don't think we've had any issues with this and uh we want to keep it this way. >> That's all. Thank you. >>
015Yeah. Just for general information, to my knowledge, we only have one panel nve investigation going on at this time. So the next so again our recommendation from the administration is not to do anything with 2302 at this point although it is it was included in the book to leave our policy as it stands. 2342 voting methods. Now this is we will need to change uh voting methods for our for remote meetings that are held in a state declared emergency. Uh so there if you're voting during a remote meeting and it's state declared it would have to be by roll call. So uh that is one that will need to stand. So technology responsible use if you will look at that one on 3225 it makes reference to school to us providing Wi-Fi hotspots and services
016off school campus. Currently -ate is responsible for our um internet service and we are not providing Wi-Fi hotspots to individuals out through our rate funding. That was the purpose in this whole statement here. So therefore, we do need to include it. But I just wanted to make sure everyone was aware is currently does not have -ate currently does not have the ability to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots. So, next policy 3400 just clears up some language on the grading policy and procedures for kindergarten through 2 grade and also adds different language through for third through fifth through 12th grade. There's also a section that's added for students who choose to uh participate in the credit by demonstration by credit by demonstrating mastery. Uh and to my knowledge, Dr. Carr, that very few of our students decide to
017go through that process. They would rather take the class. So, as you're aware, the state board changed the way our credit recovery works. Uh so policy 3420 needed to be updated to reflect that. For many years, if a child received a um or participated in credit recovery, the failing grade stood and they either wise got a pass fail when they participated in credit recovery. Now, uh state board changed their their um policy regarding credit recovery. Now, it must be an average of the original grade and an average of the grade that the child gets in credit recovery to determine a passing grade. Included in your packet today uh behind the agenda, Dr. Carr and her team have met with all the high school principles uh and walked through what our new grading uh our new
018uh credit recovery criteria will look like. So, I've included that in your packet as well. So, that beginning this year for credit recovery, there is not a pass fail for um core classes. If we decide to do credit recovery for elective classes, that can remain pass fail, but the others must be an average of the two of the two grades. And so, again, Dr. Carr and her team have worked with the high school principles to walk through what that criteria needs to be. Any any questions on that? And then let's invite our high school principles if they want to make a comment and in terms of that change. Dr. Car, any additional comment on it. >> The other thing is to know there is a cut off criteria of who will need to take the
019whole course back over again based on their score and who can participate in credit recovery. So, not everybody that fails a class can automatically be part of credit recovery. They have to have a certain score. So, if they have anything lower than a 40, they'll actually have to retake the entire course. Comments from high school principles. Anyone? Well, I'll call you out, Dr. B. >> Okay, I'm sorry. Okay, based on the conversation that we had, I just think it adds some accountability on the end of the student. Um, and also there's there's sometimes there's reasons why students recover classes. It's not always because they simply failed. It may have been an attendance issue. It may have been someone left and came back. And so now it gives them an opportunity to be able to tr
020for us to truly know that they've mastered the content and it's not just several P's on the transcript that'll show um actual grades. So I think it'll be a a good step for our students. >> Okay. And and Bobby, before we move away, I want to go back to policy 3400. Just as a reminder, by policy, we do have a grading floor scale and that is uh 50%. So you can never give a grade. That's always a corner contention in buildings. But by policy uh we can't give below 50%. That is correct, >> Mr. Craig. >> Uh, just making sure and I don't know how much of that credit recovery I understand now, but um since North Carolina Athletic Association has said it doesn't affect the students eligibility, so a kid can be taking that
021class and still be eligible to play. That correct? Uh this you talking about summer school? >> Well, let me ask this. When do when do we do the credit recovery? When do they take those classes? >> All throughout the year. Okay. So, if if we got a student that's in high school and they're taking their classes and one of them's credit recovery. That will not hinder them from participating if everything else is okay. Or will it? >> It should. And now they have went back to state. A kid like say last semester a student fails two out of four >> right >> they can take any class in summer school and that will count towards one of their classes to make them >> okay I just want to make sure if if it don't affect
022then everybody understands that it does not affect a child's eligibility thank And I want to make sure I think I clarified this earlier in 3420 there will be a numeric grade assigned to credit recovery. >> The other thing is so just so to clarify you know the floor is 50. So before the floor is applied that's the grade we're talking about to say if they qualify or not. So before you put that final grade on the report card, that 50, whatever that score is, if it's lower than 40, they have to retake that class. So anything between 40 and 50, they can go ahead and do the credit recovery. Um the other thing is once the averages occur, they cannot get above a 70. So that is the highest average you can get through credit
023recovery. Moving on to uh 3620 uh extracurricular activities and student organizations. As you're aware, last year the uh high school athletic association approved NIL students in high school can participate in NIL agreements. We did not have anything in our policy that addressed that. So, we're just adding a statement that a student may participate in an NIL if they're if um if they choose to. >> And Glenn, I don't think we have anybody. >> Yeah. >> So, our our next policy, pregnant and parenting students, minor changes here. uh added the terminology um false pregnancy and also added a timeline of how long we are to honor employees right for break time to express milk. That's for a year. Staff and student relationships. This is going back to reporting inappropriate con conduct from our staff to the
024state board of education. So they've added additional language in there on page four of four. Also that uh carries over to child abuse and related threats to safety in 4240. same thing our duty to report and it adds to the language of termination of employment non non-renewal of employment contract or suspension without pay. So again Mr. Campbell and his department are aware of those reporting requirements. Uh if we have employees >> and and Bobby, both policies make it clear. Historically, in the past, you could accept a resignation for some of these behaviors. That is no longer the case. If there's a violation of these policies, that is not an option. That is a termination and a report to the state board of education so that they can revoke the license. Correct. >> Correct. >> Uh
025operation of school nutrition services 6220 again remove some of the language that was there based on the previous administration insurance for student transportation services. It basically uh says that we can operate a vehicle without bodily injury and property damage. Uh but the other stuff, lease or rent, we do not go into any of that at this point in time. All of our vehicles are owned. LER 7130 again makes reference to the two previous um policies about our responsibility to report and it also adds that same language there. The minor changes in the back of the uh the book just simply revises the titles and or adds additional languages to titles throughout the policy. There's nothing in here in the remaining ones that actually require change other than just general statute update or policy update updates
026based on the previous substantial changes in the front of the book. >> Next on our agenda is uh policy 4318. >> Bob, before we we move to that policy, uh Mr. Chair, we do need to entertain a motion that to approve these policies in this committee and then a motion to move it forward for action in the August board meeting. Please. >> So, we're looking for a motion to um approve these um as written and move them to the board for review if we have a motion. >> I make a motion to move these to the um August board meeting. >> Got a motion by Miss Melissa Ocean. Second by Mr. Craig Lowry. All in favor say I pass. >> Thank you. >> And again we at the full board meeting I will make the
027same recommendation Mr. Phillips to approve the spring updates minus 2302 that we will leave 2302 as is. Okay. So next uh we have on the agenda is pol the proposed policy 4318 use of wireless communication devices. So as you're aware and I've included a copy of the recently passed general statute uh 959 that requires each ele or PSU to develop a policy regarding uh the use of wireless communication devices for students in in the school. So, um, just a little bit about this. We have to have a policy by September 1 that needs to be submitted to DPI, uh, with full implementation on January 126. So, uh, we will present a draft to you tonight again so that we can meet that September deadline. If we need to revise it between now and January, we
028have that flexibility to do so. Also in your packet, what I included, we did a brief survey of our teachers. Uh we had a total of 400, I think it was 444 respond. We understand during the summer teachers may be out doing other things, but the general consensus from our teachers are is that cell phones do create a distraction in the learning environment. Uh of course, depending on the grades span, you might get different responses, say an elementary school versus a a high school. But for the most part, if you look at the first question that was asked, what phrase best describes the effect of cell phone use in your class? And you can see about 35% of the teachers say that it's a daily disruption. Um, with the next highest group saying it's only
029an occasional disruption in in few of my classes. Uh so the next question asked to be effective a cell phone policy should uh about 45% of the teachers who responded or staff responded said they were looking for a com uh prevent cell phone access during the entire school day. Others the next highest one was about 34% said just limit access in the classroom. So the next question question uh how much daily instructional time is lost and you can see the majority is going to be between um 30 30 minutes to one to three hours is lost as according to our teachers. >> We got a question. >> Okay. >> Go ahead. M >> Mr. Bobby if you don't mind let me correct you on that um first uh the first one here. What phrase best
030describes the effect of cell phone use? So we got 34.5 and 34.7 34.5 no impact 34.7 daily disruptions. So we've got um almost um an equal weight on both sides of the spectrum 34.5 34.7. And let me also ask um was this was this survey anonymous? >> Yes. >> Thank you. And so we have taken our cell phone policy uh uh again coming from the schoolboard association based on the general statute. We've shared that with our principles and what we're going to ask now we've asked three of our principles from each uh grade level span to provide a perspective on uh the policy and implementation in their buildings. Miss Kendra and before Kendra speak we did have a virtual meeting with all the principles we got their input very very powerful and they sent to
031us a copy of their in-house policies that they're using correct >> correct >> I have a question Dr. M. >> Thank you Mr. Chair this might be minor Bobby but when you Mr. locker when you are writing the policy would it be beneficial to list also smart watches, tablets and things of that nature or do you have it listed someplace? >> All right, so the policy itself under number two definitions, wireless communication devices. Um, this language comes straight from the general statute. I know some folks have had questions about smart watches, but we can add it. But clearly the definition would include smart watches in that. >> I think this is my opinion. I think it's best to just plain parentheses listed and then that will solve it because I can see some smart kids
032or smart parents saying you didn't say a thing about a smartwatch. That's not a cell phone. >> Yes. >> You didn't say a thing about a tablet. >> Well, it does. It does have tablet and laptop. >> Okay. Bob and let me ask for the group. Um this the law is still pending correct and this they've taken action. >> No, the this law has been ratified. >> It ratified. Okay. >> Thank you. >> We've got um virtual um Miss Million with her hand raised. >> Okay. So, as a parent, I'm never going to agree to this policy. Um, because I don't feel like I I do know that cell phones can be a distraction. Um, but they also are used in emergency situations. Um, and I want to understand if we're placing this policy enforce
033enforcing this for our kids, are we going to enforce the same policy for the adults in that classroom? Because when I visit schools a lot of times I'm seeing them on the phones and I'm sure that's a distraction. They're on their phones, they're on their smartwatches. So if we're going to enforce something for the kids, we may as well go ahead and and do it for the house. >> So before we move on, Paul, uh Bob, walk us through the policy that we did today and kind of explain some parts that's going to help before we get into it. >> Okay. So just to walk through the policy and again we already had a policy in place but we're making revisions revisions to meet the general statute. So within the for within the first paragraph
034uh it says clearly as as Miss Ocean just noted the board understands an exercise at the use of wireless uh devices. Um where am I? Okay. So again, we we understand that there are issues with having the cell phone devices within the building. So as Miss Ocean just stated, we have to balance the interest and needs of the students and parents in the school community on how to use those devices in the building. So within that first paragraph, we all also allow principles to establish additional limitations on the use, possession, and display of wireless communication devices. We understand that we cannot have a one-sizefititall policy across the district, but we also understand that the general statute requires us to have a policy that says during instructional time, students may not have their devices visible turned
035on. So that's why when we talk about instructional time, that is the time a child is assigned to a teacher. So Dr. manuals already alluded to what is a wireless communication devices and if it's the pleasure of the committee we can definitely add smart watches to that. So authorized use during instructional time. So our proposed policy is not a total ban of a student having possession of their device. Our proposed policy or draft policy does say students are permitted to possess wireless communication devices on school property as long as they are not turned on, used, or displayed during instructional time or otherwise directed by school rules or school personnel. So again, we're not doing a total ban as some districts have done. We are still allowing those students to possess their phone as long as
036it's not turned on or visible during the instructional time. We also know that students with certain medical conditions may need access to their wireless device, whether that's a cell phone or smartwatch or whatever. So again, we would manage those through the child's IEP or section 504 plan. The next sentence, we are going to amend that next sentence, Miss Ocean, I think, to address your issue in terms of emergencies. And it's it's going to read, it currently reads where administrators are are struck out. We are going to revise that to say teachers and administrators may authorize individual students to use their device provided that they supervise the students in the event of an emergency. So we understand that parents fear is that if something happens at school my child will not be able to get in
037touch with me. So we are addressing that. We are addressing that in that statement. Students can use their cell phones before after before before or after uh school hours. We felt as a group and even speaking with principles that we felt it was best to determine what our policy was going to be. Put that policy out there. together feedback from the start of school until January 1 before we implemented any consequences. So, we do have a brief section here that addresses consequences, but we understand that we're going to have to go further with uh our consequences because if you have that child that pulls the phone out during class time, uh what's going to be the consequence for that for that particular child? Although in the policy it does say that the school employee can
038take it up, but we have until January one to develop full consequences if students decide to have their phone out, use it while the teachers teaching it, have it turned on during class time, whether it be that smartwatch, tablet, or whatever. But we we felt it was beneficial or we needed to do the policy first then consequences second. >> We got a question. So, there's a line a line here that states that principles may limit the use of wireless communication devices um as provided in this policy. But it also says principles may establish additional limitations on the use position or display of wireless communication devices consistent with this policy. So, what is an example of a situation where a principal may establish an additional limitation? All right. So we have we have principles uh when
039we met some principles last year and even before that would uh have a policy where there is a total ban as the children enter the building they take them up put them in cubbies at the end of the day they get them back. That that works at some of our schools our middle schools that's very effective there. Again at our high schools that may that may not work. So for the high schools, the high schools are going to say based upon the policy, you cannot have your cell phone out displayed uh in during the class time. The high school principles have reported that during class change or at lunchtime, they don't have a problem if the child has their phone. It's during that instructional time. So again, we we felt that we could not write
040a one-sizefititall policy. principles still needed some authority in the building as most of the middle school some not most some of the middle school principles take them up. High school says no we there's no way we can facilitate taking up the devices and getting them back out. Let the kid have them as the policy and general statute says you just can't have them turned on or displayed during instructional time. So if I if my child goes to a school where uh where a principal has established um a policy above and beyond this where uh maybe I guess parents will be notified at the beginning of the year we don't allow phones at all and when they walk through the door if they have one then it's going to be taken I guess for the rest
041of the day and they would get it back later that day. Um and and so the who who does that um what who does that liability fall on right >> where you know if a phone gets lost or there's some confusion about whether a one got actually taken where does that liability fall >> right so so several things to address uh one is we're not recommending a total ban period that's not what our policy would do. >> I'm talking about principal. Yeah. But what we're saying so that the public's listening will understand this is not a total ban policy. Uh student can have phone on their person can't have it out. We're going to protect instructional time. Now to broaden that conversation and definition to communication devices, principal will have the authority if we have
042kids who um pornography they're going to use the right lose the right and the principal has the authority for that they cannot use any type of device in a building. principles address that we may have had a couple of cases um with kids who continue to go to those sites those kinds of things or when we expect our principal to step up and go beyond this policy. Any of the principles had issues with that and want to address that please. >> We've had >> There we go. Hold on. Let me let me turn your mic off. Where's it at? >> There you go. You're good. So, we've had um instances in the past where students have um use their Chromebooks, they've used um other devices that was connected to the network to access sites that
043they couldn't. And so after having conversation with them, with their parent, guardian, and then we deemed like it was necessary to no longer allow that student to have access to a device while they were at school because they were abusing um their use of the technology. Um so with that, then we will go and provide the alternative um assignments and things that they needed in order to still get their education. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? So my question was um who who it uh when we when we confiscate a device like at the beginning of the day and somebody has to keep up with it all day. Um is there like a system or who assumes that um responsibility and that liability? Is it the individual that takes it or the principal? So in
044conversation with our principles that have a no cell phone policy on their campuses. I think one of your questions early on were who would notify the parents? Principles would uh take the responsibility of notifying their parents through uh messaging or in the student handbook. Uh and that's the way they've handled that before. We have at least two or three middle schools that have been practicing that for two to three years. Now, when the cell phones are taken up, all of the schools have a locked location where those phones go. So to my knowledge, we have not had a situation where a cell phone has gone missing from those schools that have taken them up. So it's just it's not that we take up the cell phones. It's my understanding, principal, tell me if I'm wrong,
045and they go and just sit in a corner in a teacher's class. There's a specific location that limited access is in where these cell phones go. >> Thank you, Mr. Bobby. >> We got one more question, Mr. Kurt. >> Thank you, Mr. Phillips. Uh, Mr. Bobby, I'm I'm listening to what was said about we can't do one thing and put it in all the schools and say this is how we're going to do it. And again, I'm going to go back. We're not banning cell phones. So, anybody in the public listening, we're not banning. But the comment just this is just food for thought about we're not doing oneizefits-all. Um, I think we've had issues before like book bags that this school allow says you got to have this kind, this school says you got
046to have this kind and then the kids transfer and there's issues. So to me, if there's a certain part of this thing about cell phones at Red Springs High and the student ends up going to Pernell Sweat or any other school and it's different, my question and just comment is how much different will it be? And I think we need to be that's going to have to be communicated and be very careful of how much different we get into where you can have them. Like I said, if you can't even walk down the hall at one school with them, but the next school you can, there's going to, I think, be some issues for us or y'all to deal with because people's going to be complaining. And I mean, that's just thought. I'm not saying
047what to do, but that's just a thought. And so, Mr. Craig, what we have started each high school, well, not each high school, I'm sorry. each group of principles met last week after we discussed the policy and started a conversation about what some of those commonalities needed to be within each grade level span. So again, we're not to the point yet to where we're going to put everything in black and white and say this is going to be absolute where it's at. >> This is going to be our starting point with the opportunity to make changes or revisions prior to full implementation by January one. And let me add if I can one other thing. You're not doing it now, but but when January or before that we get into consequences. Uh ever how it
048can be done to where it's the least problem for teachers and principles as far as consequences if a child does this. Making this shouldn't be something they're having to spend 30 minutes or an hour on as far as dealing with because somebody's got a cell phone. make it cut and dry and make that consequence, you know, consistent across the county. That's all. Thank you. >> Thanks, sir. >> The principles principles, Miss Kendrick, >> good evening. I think at the elementary sector concern becomes um we haven't had an issue with phones. Of course, we've had our our own policies again as Mr. Bobby said in place and they've worked for us. The only concern I think that they have along with myself is that if we put something blanket out there and we say that they
049can bring them, then it becomes an issue where we have bigger issues with elementary kids bringing cell phones and pulling them out because they're not as mature as high school students are. And where we don't have that issue now, I believe the potential there again. And I think Mr. Bobby, we talked about it. It becomes it comes down to the language that we put into the policy. But again, take elementary into consideration that this has not been an issue. These children are not mature enough to handle these phones and they do a lot of things they shouldn't, but we've kept it under control with basically saying that they can't have them. I don't go search for them. I know. Do I know they have them? Yes. because they know I say you can't have them
050then they're less apt to actually bring them out. I think we might have picked up maybe three last school year. Uh three or four that we had to lock up and a parent had to come get it. Uh so again, I think that's the elementary uh concern is that our children, we don't have issues now, but if we open it up for them, they're going to bring them in and they're absolutely going to take them out because again, they're not mature enough to handle cell phones at the age. Again, we do have issues with fifth and sixth grade, but that's the extent of it. Thank you. Um good evening. Uh couple of things from the middle school unique situation at Littlefields 48 fourth and fifth hardly ever 10 20% you may know that might have
051something six it sort of increases seventh and eighth as you get on up in the little bit older grades you're going to have more. Uh most of our problems rarely you know you tell them put them up don't want to see them or give them to you don't have a whole lot of problems two or three habitual offenders you know through the year you've had to talk to somebody not a lot our biggest problems the bus and the bathrooms let's be honest when they sneak them to the bathroom you know whatever they're you know they've already pre pre-planned or you know whatever But buses and restrooms is our biggest one. And my only thing that is reading over the policy is when we get to an emergency and this is language you're going to have
052to that's you know we're going to carry out the orders but what's an emergency? If I left my if I left my socks or my shoes for is that an emergency? That's my own I mean you know a child's sick or we need to get to them. You know if we do a blanket I'm sort of like Miss Kendra. It's an emergency. That's that's all for me. >> Good evening. And so what um I think the purpose of the general statute and then the purpose of our policy is to make sure we just protect the instructional time. And so we met as high school principles last week when we discussed what that looked like for us. Um we did agree across all the buildings that it would all be the same, that we did not
053have an issue with students. um using cell phones during transition and during lunchtime um because we felt like they they are mature um they're more mature than our middle school and our elementary students. So they can be trusted to just kind of use it in the way that we allow them to. Um one thing that we do not allow them to do throughout the day is we have not allowed them to talk on the phone and hold conversations. Um and so that part has worked. Um and just as other principles stated, anytime you kind of correct the students, um it has um worked and they comply with it. Um but I think the most important part again is in is protecting the instructional time. And I know myself as well as other principles have been
054constantly looking for something that was going to support us when we're having those conversations with parents and having those conversations with students about why you're in trouble now for pulling your phone out multiple times in the classroom. And I think that this policy and that general statute actually supports that and gives us something to rely back on when we're having those conversations. And in the end, it only benefits the students because there are less distractions inside the classroom. >> Thank you. So, so our policy really makes it clear and and we will clearly define what emergency is and what those parameters are. Um, when we get to that point, I do want to ask any other principal that want to make a statement of what's been going on in your building. Anything that you can
055add to this conversation uh that would help us with the policy, please. All right, you're good. >> Good evening. Um Dr. Tindle at Fairmont Middle and I want to address what we've done for the last three years um at Fairmont. We tried it two ways. We had the students to come in. They had their phones. Um, but we found issues in the cafeteria when they before they go to home room. They were making um tick talks. They were calling out to others, taking pictures of people's backsides and just doing a whole lot of stuff. And we also uh the reason we changed it is we got a bomb threat uh doing a cafeteria before classes began. And so we had to start looking at ways that we could deter these types of behaviors. So we
056started taking them up at the front door when they walk in. We had boxes with the teachers home rooms name on it and we collected the phone from the student. And once the students went to their home rooms at the end of the day, if that teacher home room started out, we found where that student was for the afternoon and that teacher home room end of the day had the phones to give them back to the students. They were locked all day. uh if the student checked out for any type of appointment, we'd send the parent leaison to doublech checkck with the teacher, retrieve the phone, give it to the student, and the student was on their way. So, it's worked for us. Um it's cut down. We keep a daily log of how many
057phones we collect and how many phones we give to each teacher. And then if that teacher had 10 students, 10 students got the phones and in the three years we have not lost the phone and we have not damaged the phone. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else got a question? No, you can go. Good. Okay. Um, listening to the principles talk, I I have a question. Just raise your hand. Principles, how many of you have had a policy at your school about cell phones? I mean, I say policy. You've had some kind of rule. Yeah. Stand up if you've had a rule or something at your school. Okay. About everybody. Okay. That that Thank you. You can stretch. You sit back down. Thank you. Okay, with that said and listening to the principles talk, my
058comment, Mr. Bobby, I know y'all brought people in and talked to them, but I don't believe in reinventing the wheel that if if extensively can get these principles in here and like Mr. Sinclair said, the high school principles met and they have an agreement on what they've come up with, but get the ideas from them, what's been working for them, and incorporate that into the policy as we've got it here. And again, Mr. Sinclair made the comment that putting a policy in just gives them a little bit of backing, more backing when they're going to the school and saying, "This is what we're doing and this is the policy and we have to follow." So, um, I think it's something that definitely can be worked out that way. Thank you, >> Mr. Tra and Dr.
059Emanuel. >> Dr. Dr. Williams, I just want to be clear on something because I've heard it twice, especially at the middle school and elementary school level with the um emergency word that is in that policy there. We're going to be consistent across the board about what a emergency is and is not. >> Yes, that's our intent. >> Is that going to be added to this policy or Okay. >> Yes, >> Dr. Moon. Um, in all fairness and I and I'm really right along with Miss Oceanist when she made the statement about what what would be our procedure with the employees in cell phones during class. Mr. Barbie, can you address it or you may want to have a principal address it? >> Yes, >> I'd like to know that. >> I'm sorry. So, yes, we
060did this that did come up as one of our points and our principal meetings. So the general statute in this is directed towards students. We do have a a responsible use policy for staff. So we said we would use that as our means to communicate with staff about that responsible use in the classroom. >> So break it down to milkman language. What does that mean about teachers and cell phones during instructional time? What would you say that meant? In other words, can a principal respond maybe to what they how they deal with it? Is that okay? >> And and part of that uh Dr. manual for me and the principles. I should never walk into a classroom during instructional time and find anyone student or employee on a cell phone unless it's an emergency. >>
061Do you mind if a parent one comment? So, how how would >> maybe uh cuz I hate to say it, but I went into a middle school PE and right in front of me, which I'm not important, the teacher took a five minute conversation on the telephone doing a PE class. I just like to hear a principal comment on how they address to their staff about personal calls and on cell phones. Anybody? And this is not I got you. I'm just curious. What boundaries do you set? One of the Brooks brothers. >> Yeah. Either one or Avery, how do you address cell phones and and employees? >> Either one somebody know I can't hear a lick. >> So you were asking how do we >> how do you address the staff? What procedures do you
062put in place? What how do you >> say to them don't use your cell phone during class? your your staff, your teachers, your whatever employees, your counselors or whatever. >> And I say for the most part, Dr. M, most teachers do what they're supposed to. And there's not a school in this county or state that don't have people that don't do what they're supposed to. Yes. But the biggest thing is getting in and out of classrooms. This past year, I would tell anybody, I didn't do my very best job as far as far as doing a lot of walkthroughs this year. I had a lot of help from other APs that were doing that for me, too. But regardless, just getting in and out of classrooms and keep an eye on and I hate say
063keep an eye on teachers, but it's really just following up and and doing your job. But if you put that in place and just tell teachers during instructional time, this is what we expect from students and we expect from our staff as well. For the most part, most of them is going to jump on board. And for those other ones, you'll just have to get on them a little bit differently. I don't see it being like a real big problem. I just don't see it. Even like the cell phone things we're talking about like Sinclair was saying, our biggest issue would be kids going to the bathroom during class time and then they go to the bathroom. You know what they do? They got their cell phone in their pocket and that's the only reason
064they're going to the restroom. So they're wasting 10 or 15 minutes of class to go to the restroom just so they can get on their cell phone. You tell them they can't take their cell phone, they go back and sit back down. Guys say the whole purpose to get out of class was to use the restroom and get on your cell phone. Well, the first purpose is use the cell phone. Regardless to answer your question, I don't see a big problem with the teachers being a headache. I just don't see that happening. >> Well, good. >> So, okay. But things aren't perfect in Lumberi today. But >> Well, they're near perfect, aren't they, Mr. Rubs? >> We're getting close to it. >> That's the goal. >> Yeah. >> Any other principle? >> All right, we
065got a question. You're good. I mean, in all actuality, what we're being asked to do here in order to uh follow the law that's been enacted is to to limit um wireless devices for for students. um you know and and I trust these uh professionals that are working in our buildings uh principles and and teachers to use their own judgment when it comes to um their actual use of these devices because I mean at the end of the day of course there's a difference between being a student um and and being a teacher as far as like your activity in the classroom but if if a teacher pulls out a phone and just looks at the message and just replies, okay, while they're doing um group work or walking around their classroom, I don't see
066that as a major issue. Now, it might be different, you know, when you walk in, Dr. Emanuel, and somebody takes a fivem minute phone call. Now, that's a different thing than just looking at your phone and swiping up or or whatever. But, um, you know, I I would just hope that and I and I trust that our teachers and our individuals in the buildings are using their, you know, using their their common sense to um to sort of exercise their um use or to limit their use as as appropriate. Uh but if we can just get a handle on on following this policy or or when we adopt it, then of course it's going to have to be followed, you know, to the extent of the law, that's going to be a uh that's going
067to be a big ask. and and you know when something's when something's voted on at the legislature and then we have to enact a policy here which of course this only applies to students and that means that somebody's going to have to somebody's going to have to monitor it and it's going to be the individuals in the classroom and u what can we do as a board um or what can the administration do to support teachers and to support those individuals in the classroom room that are going to have to be uh carrying this out on a on a daily basis. Is there going to be a system where, you know, you've got one strike, two strikes, or or whatever for these students? Um like we were saying before, if if individual schools have different
068different policies or different standards, then it it it's going to have to translate to the classroom as well. You know, if you've got a student taking four classes and they're saying, "Well, this teacher lets me keep my phone out the whole time and this another one don't say anything." So, is there anything that we can do uh as a board or is there something from the administration or the district level um that can that can be done to support teachers uh while they're uh enacting these these policies? So, so to address I think one of the key things and this has been mentioned several times. That's why we want >> I'm sorry. So I think one of the key things and it's been mentioned several times before is effective communication to the parents. So once
069this policy is adopted to be able to communicate this to the parents to say our policy is during that instructional time your child will not possess they they can possess will not turn on display or have their cell phone out. That's a clear expectation in every classroom, whether it's the high schools, whether they're walking down the hall during class change, but the clear expectation is when they enter that door, that cell phone's put away versus the other schools that may take them up. At the end of the day, cell phones are not appropriate during the instructional time. That's going to be key in every classroom. So, it's not going to be a difference where teacher A says, "Hey, have it out. I don't care." Teacher B says, "Absolutely not. Put it away. So, it's going
070to be the same expectation once this policy is uh enacted in every classroom. But I do believe the key is having that communication early on, Miss Jessica, communicating this with parents. Number one, this is not a PSRC board decision. This is a general statute decision. We're enacting that general statute. And what we're saying is during that instructional day, and I'll use the phrase 8 to three, our expectation is very clear. your child will not display their phone unless it's in the event of an emergency. So there won't be that variance between CLA teachers having that variance to say you can you can't and the consequences are going to be the same across all board all all situations. So if student A is at Ludfield and they pull out their cell phone, student B is at
071Lumberton High during the class and they pull out their cell phone and begin to use it, consequences are going to be the same. That's why the That's why we said we've got till January 1 to develop those consequences for students who use or display their cell phone during the instructional day. One more question. We're going to move on. >> At one point um in the history of this board in the last few months, there was uh some discussion about something called yonder pouches. And those those would have been a uh a solution as far as districtwide um application of how we would handle these. of course if they're in a bag during instructional time there wouldn't be much of an issue but now that I haven't heard beyond the pouches discussed in a while since
072that's since that's perhaps not an option now in lie of that um what is our our solution is just to do what you said Mr. Bobby um talk to parents and communicate and ensure that we have consistent um consistent execution in the whole district which is a little bit different than them having a physical location to to have them and put up >> right. So again the general statute does not require us to have a total ban. It still requires that student to possess. So again, our policy is not using the yonder pouches uh >> which was cost prohibited. It was take us a half million dollars and we did not see that as a good investment. >> Right. >> And so I'm sorry. And so with this, the child is still still has the
073ability to possess the phone, just not during that instructional time. That's about that's all the policy boils down to. And so if if it if it's the pleasure of the policy committee, the recommendation we will take to the full board will be this draft with the two revisions of adding smart watches to number two under definition. And our recommendation on page two would be uh that last sentence should say teachers and administrators may authorize >> and and define >> and we will define emergency. >> Right. Now, let me ask Bobby with that and ask both chairs. Now, would you prefer for prefer that we would draft this policy, put it on the agenda under information, have another discussion at the board meeting and then move it to action or will you tonight suffice? What would
074be Very good. >> I think if they draft it the way that we just said with the three revisions that were on there and go ahead and send it back out to us through email >> and that would give us enough time board that give us enough time to chew on it, make sure we're good with it, then go from there. Mr. Craig, Dr. Emanuel, >> I feel the same too. >> Good. >> Yeah. Along with a clear definition of what we're going to define as an emergency. You good? >> All right. So, um looking for a motion to move policy um 4318 use of wireless communications devices to the board um at the next meeting with um the three revisions that were noted. Have a motion. Got a motion by Mr. Craig Lowry >>
075second by Mission. All in favor? >> I have. All right. At this time, I' I'd like to thank our principles, the administrators for being here tonight. It really means a lot. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. I promise. Um, you guys do a lot and I appreciate all that you do. Um, and I'd like to give um Patterson five minutes to talk about the football jam. I told him I was going to put him on the spot. Uh, good evening. Uh, of course, uh, you all know tomorrow starts the fall season for all high school sports. Uh, and with having said that, we are very excited to bring back the, uh, Robinson County public schools of Robinson County football jamboree. Uh, that was a hit in the past. Um, um, and for some reason
076they got away from bringing everybody together. So, uh, this will be our first in a in a while. So, it will be held on August the 8th at St. Paul's High School. Uh, the cost is $8. Uh, we will not be accepting the public schools of Robinson County passes. Only the state passes will be accepted at at these games. Uh, we have four games uh on on tap. Uh, the first game beginning at five o'clock. We have Fairmont versus EE Smith. And then at six o'clock, Pernell Sweat versus South View High School 7 o'clock, Lumberton Senior High versus Red Springs High. And the night cap will be St. Paul's versus Hope County at 8:00. So, we ask that you come out, you know, and support this event. Uh, spread the word. Uh, feel the stands.
077uh if you want to see some exciting football uh this is an opportunity for you to come out. Uh so I appreciate the opportunity of sharing. Thank you. Mr. Chair, if I may, Glenn, will you address to our public and to the board how we're going to deal with the heat issue now that tomorrow is the official start? What do we have in place? >> Oh yes. Uh well, I have talked to all the athletic trainers. uh they have uh wet bulbs and they are in control of every practice. Uh I have asked the athletic directors to stress to those that can to practice early morning. try to have those kids off the uh field by at least 900 am and they cannot start until after 6:30 or six o'clock in the afternoons providing that
078um they fall under the guidelines of the North Carolina High School Association heat advisory. So, uh all athletic trainers are aware and uh they will be giving those kids uh water breaks as needed. uh and uh they will definitely uh make sure they are hydrated. There will be hydration stations uh prepared for for those athletes. Any other questions? >> Thank you. Thank you. At this time, I like to ask for a motion to adjurnn. Got a motion by Mr. Craig Lowry. >> Second. Second by Miss Melissa Ocean. Journ. Thank