San Jon bans cellphone use by students

SAN JON — The San Jon Municipal Schools board on Wednesday enacted a policy that bans cellphone use by students on campus.

Principal Sharla Rusk and superintendent Alan Umholtz recommended its passage, noting similar edicts are being passed at other school districts in Regional Education Cooperative District 6.

Rusk urged the policy “due to issues” in the last school year, labeling cellphone usage during the school day as “a detriment to student academic success.”

Umholtz concurred, saying “we had many problems” with cellphones in the previous school year.

The district is sending a letter to students’ parents or guardians notifying them of the new policy. The Quay County Sun obtained a copy of the letter from Rusk.

“While recognizing the benefits and drawbacks of technology, particularly cell phones, we believe that in our one-to-one Chromebook environment, the necessity for cell phone usage during school hours is minimal,” the letter states.

“Additionally, incident of academic dishonesty involving electronic devices have been noted, prompting the need for the clear policy framework below.”

The letter also states the increased use of electronic devices among students on campus “has been observed to disrupt classrooms detract from academic engagement and contribute to instances of inappropriate communication.”

“Therefore, the use of cell phones and other electronic devices by students is hereby prohibited.”

Prohibited electronic devices include cellphones, smart watches, MP3 players, AirPods, wireless or wired headphones and cameras with internet connectivity not provided by the school.

Unauthorized use of those devices during the school day will result in confiscation and discipline, though an administrator “may exercise discretion on a case-by-case basis.”

In the first offense, the device will be returned to the student’s parent or guardian at the end of the school day. Second offense results in a one-day, in-school suspension. The third and subsequent offense will result in a two-day, in-school suspension.

The policy states the district will not be held liable for any loss or damage to electronic devices on campus or during school-sponsored activities.

The letter contained a list of frequently asked questions about the policy. For parents who want their children carrying a cellphone while traveling to and from school, those students are allowed to keep the phone in their parked vehicle or checked in at the office upon entering the building.

For changes in practice times or games, coaches and sponsors will used the ParentSquare app to send notifications to parents.

In an emergency, individual classroom phones or the office phone may be used by students.

The policy does not restrict staff from using cellphones, though they will be asked to refrain from using them for personal reasons.

Staff also can use their cellphones to conduct school business, contact the office or seek help from a colleague or administrator.

Board members voiced no objection to the policy.

“I’m all for it,” board President Frank Gibson said.

A couple of board members expressed mild concern about the district’s possibly liability if a cellphone’s screen is broken or if a device is lost. Rusk responded that administrators and office staff will be the primary handlers of cellphones, not teachers.

Umholtz remarked that teachers would be subject to discipline if they allow students to use cellphones in their classrooms.

In other business:

— The board passed two resolutions that authorizes submitting an application to the New Mexico Finance Authority for the sale of $250,000 in voter-approved bonds that will be used to help build a new school.

Nick Caine, assistant vice president of Stifel, the district’s bond adviser, said the bond sale likely would occur in late July, with the district receiving its money by Sept. 20. Caine said residents won’t see an increase in their property taxes until 2025, which will be the district’s first bond payment.

The district must have a debt load of 10 mills to qualify for a state grant to build an approximately $40 million school. Caine said the district already has another $350,000 in bond funds available, but he said it wouldn’t surprise him if San Jon does not have to use all of those funds.

Umholtz previously has said he wants the new building completed by the 2026-2027 school year.

— During her principal’s report, Rusk said updates to the student handbook include new requirements for the valedictorian and salutatorian.

She said the valedictorian and salutatorian must carry a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 and no failing grades in their classes.

Rusk said if no one in a graduating class meets those requirements, the district will not schedule a student speech during the ceremony.

“I don’t think it will be an issue,” Rusk said of the new rule. “I think the kids will work to get it done.”

The handbook adds incentives for student attendance.

Board member Jeremy Allen asked about a possible ban on pajamas being worn by students. Rusk replied that such clothing is “highly discouraged,” but she didn’t want a ban that would inadvertently target poor students who lacked other garments.

— The board approved the a propane bid of $1.15.6 per gallon from Farwell Fuels of Farwell, Texas. Business manager Stormi Sena that is about 10 cents higher than the previous school year.

The other bidder was Tucumcari LP Gas, which quoted $1.69 a gallon.

— Athletic director Bobby Kandel said black and red exchange areas in the district’s new track would require an additional $22,800 and an extra five to seven days to install.

The additional cost did not deter board members. Umholtz said the district has about $38,000 in leftover funds for the project that would cover the additional cost.

Because the authorization on the two-toned painting was not an action item on the board’s agenda, it will act on it during its August meeting.

District officials hope the track will be completed by October.

— Umholtz said San Jon was one of 20 school districts in New Mexico to receive a Near-Peer tutoring grant from the state Public Education Department.

Juniors and seniors would provide paid English and math tutoring to elementary and middle-school students.