TPS approves ban on student cellphone use

The board for Tucumcari Public Schools approved a new cellphone policy that bars “unauthorized” use of the devices on campus during the day.

Superintendent Carl Marano said he recently met with other superintendents in the region whose districts have implemented similar policies. He said TPS is drafting a frequently-asked-questions page to inform parents and students about the policy.

The policy states that student use of electronic devices in TPS schools have increased the frequency of classroom disruptions, reduced student focus and “resulted in more instances of threatening or inappropriate communications.”

“It’s all about safety and security of the students,” Marano said.

“I’m glad we are addressing it,” board President Heather Gonzales said.

While supportive of the policy, board member J.D. Knapp said it may encounter resistance from parents.

Assistant superintendent Dave Johnson said under current policy, cellphone use in the middle school is “discouraged.” He said he could not find a cellphone policy for the high school.

Barred devices under the new policy include cellphones, internet-connected smart watches, iPods, MP3 players, Airpods and headphones not provided by the school and cameras that connect wirelessly to the internet.

Unauthorized student use of the devices during the school day will result in confiscation and disciplinary action. Administrators can waive the prohibition on a case-by-case basis.

Confiscated devices will be brought to the principal. On the first offense, the device will be returned to a parent or guardian at the end of the school day.

A second offense means in-school suspension for one day. Third and subsequent offenses would mean a two-day, in-school suspension.

The U.S. surgeon general announced last month he would push for a warning label on social media platforms, advising parents that using the platforms might damage adolescents’ mental health.

Recent research stated the average student receives 144 notifications on their phone throughout the day.

In other business:

— Marano said the state has granted Tucumcari a one-year delay in implementing a five-year master plan.

He said the district will use that time to hire an engineer to assess the condition of the elementary school.

A proposed plan would have led to the demolition of Tucumcari Middle School and moving the students to the elementary school.

However, residents and administrators for years have expressed concerns about the foundation of TES, with three-quarter-inch cracks developing at doorways due to shifting.

— During his construction update, Marano said the roof on TES should be done by late August. He said roofers have completed work on the north wing of the middle school. He said a metal roof would be installed at the high school in September.

Marano said buildings have been erected at the ballfields. Describing it as “shoddy work,” he said the contractor will correct it.

Fertilizer also is being applied to bald spots in the outfields.

He said the locks have been changed at the middle school gym and Rattler Gymnasium due to many keys “floating around.”

Administrative assistant Veronica Hernandez said work on resurfacing the track at Rattler Stadium should begin this week. She anticipated three to four weeks for completion.

— During his superintendent’s report, Marano said 34 students enrolled in summer school, and 24 completed all their courses.

He said the district is almost staffed completely for this fall except for a high-school math teacher.

Marano said one staff member with experience in music may revive the district’s band and choir programs. Audience member Jimmy Sandoval earlier in the meeting asked the marching band program be resurrected.

— The board approved a resolution to participate in the Local Government Road Fund program to create a water stop near home plate at the ball diamonds.

The state will provided $23,390 of the funding, with the district’s share at $7,797.

It also had an option to use the same funds to build 13 new parking spaces at the new ballfields, but board members favored improving playing conditions at the fields.

— The board approved a resolution to issue $825,000 in education technology bonds. Property tax rates will not change to due to timing of the bonds.

— The board approved applying for IDEA B funding, which will cover the salaries of special-education teachers and professional developments, plus some supplies.

— The board approved a date change of its next regular meeting from Aug. 19 to Aug. 12.