FILE:  JCDAE

Cf:  IFBGA

STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES

The Caldwell Parish School Board shall prohibit, as outlined in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:239, students from using or operating cell phones, cameras, video tape recorders, digital recorders of any kind, music players or any electronic telecommunication device such as earbuds or smartwatches in public school buildings and on school buses used to transport public school students during school hours.  Cell phone “use” is defined for this policy as the cell phone or device being in the “on” position or mode.  Student cell phones or devices are required to be kept out of sight (in a backpack or purse) and turned off during school hours in a school building or on school grounds.  This policy is inclusive of any such device as stipulated above in a student’s possession.

CELL PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICES DISCIPLINE

School administrators shall use the following procedure as corrective action for any student who violates this policy:

First offense:

Major discipline referral, parents will be called.  Choice of consequence: (1) $25 fine and parent/guardian may pick up the device at the end of the school day, (2) cell phone will be locked up for 10 days.  Parent/Guardian will sign a cell phone agreement.

Second offense:

Major discipline referral, parents will be called.  Cell phone will be locked up for 20 days.  Parent/Guardian will sign a cell phone agreement, Parent/Guardian will sign acknowledging the 2nd violation.

Third offense:

Major discipline referral, parents will be called.  Student will be banned from bringing cell phone to school for the remainder of the school year.

Fourth offense:

Major discipline referral, parents will be called.  Possible recommendation for expulsion for habitual violation of school rules.

The School District will not be held responsible in any capacity for physical damage, loss or theft of any personally-owned device.

EXCEPTION FOR EMERGENCIES

In the event of an emergency, any person may use any electronic device available.  Emergency is defined as an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:239, 17:416, 17:416.1

Board Minutes, 3-9-10, 6-13-13, 6-8-23

Caldwell Parish School Board