Policy:

The Governing Board recognizes that the use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices on campus may be beneficial to student learning and well-being, but could be disruptive of the instructional program in some circumstances. The Board permits limited use of mobile communication devices on campus in accordance with law and the following policy.

Students may use cell phones, smart watches, pagers, or other mobile communication devices on campus during noninstructional time as long as the device is utilized in accordance with law and any rules that individual school sites may impose.

Mobile communication devices shall be turned off during instructional time. However, a student shall not be prohibited from possessing or using a mobile communication device under any of the following circumstances:

In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger

When a teacher or administrator grants permission to the student to possess or use a mobile communication device, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator

When a licensed physician or surgeon determines that the possession or use is necessary for the student's health and well-being

When the possession or use is required by the student's individualized education program

Smartphones and other mobile communication devices shall not be used in any manner which infringes on the privacy rights of any other person.

When a school official reasonably suspects that a search of a student's mobile communication device will turn up evidence of the student's violation of the law or school rules, such a search shall be conducted in accordance with the charter schools adopted Search and Seizure Policy and Administrative Regulations.

When a student uses a mobile communication device in an unauthorized manner, the student may be disciplined and a charter school employee may confiscate the device. The employee shall store the device securely until it is returned to the student or turned over to the principal or designee, as appropriate.

Pursuant to Education Code 48900, charter schools have the authority to suspend or expel students who engage in cyberbullying off campus, provided that the act meets the criteria specified in the definition of "bullying" in Education Code 48900 (i.e., a severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of placing a reasonable student in fear of harm to the student's person or property, causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health, causing substantial interference with the student's academic performance, or causing substantial interference with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from school services, activities, or privileges).

A student may also be subject to discipline, in accordance with law, Board policy, or administrative regulation, for off-campus use of a mobile communication device which poses a threat or danger to the safety of students, staff, or charter school property or substantially disrupts school activities.

The Executive Director or designee shall inform students that the charter schools will not be responsible for a student's mobile communication device which is brought on campus or to a school activity and is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Original Policy 4/14/23