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 (2)(a), students from possessing, on his/her person, an electronic device throughout the instructional day.  Electronic devices include cell phones, cameras, video tape recorders, digital recorders of any kind, music players or any electronic telecommunication device such as earbuds or smartwatches.  If a student needs access to a cell phone before or after school, the device can be checked into and stored in the school office (or other secure location) for the duration of the instructional day.

These provisions shall not be applicable to any student whose Individual Education Program, Individualized Accommodation Plan, Section 504 plan or Individualized Health Plan requires the student’s use of an electronic telecommunications device.

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) $50 fine and parent/guardian may pick up the device at the end of the school day, (2) cell phone will be locked up for twenty (20) 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 thirty (30) days and the student will be assigned ten (10) days of alternative placement with mandatory virtual learning.  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 recommended to alternative placement for up to forty-five (45) days with mandatory virtual learning.

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

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, 7-11-24

Caldwell Parish School Board