NL School Board Grapples with Cellphone Policy

WASHINGTON — The New London School Board met in regular session on June 17, 2024. Kevin Bergman addressed the Board in open forum about concerns he had about cellphone usage at school. There are three issues that are of most concern to him. First, he thanked the administration and Board as they work toward a phone free campus. He feels it is a step toward solving the first issue: keeping our children safe, removing distractions, and allowing them to focus on their education.

The second concern is that the punishment be commensurate with the seriousness of the offense. He feels that an invasion of a child’s privacy, disseminating pornography, and/or cyberbullying not be considered a “first offense” of the cellphone and electronic device policy. When contacted, Bergman feels that situations that are particularly egregious should be handled with more serious consequences.

The last concern is about how policy, rule, and law violations are reported. They can include reporting to the School Resource Officer, the school administration, the school board, the local police, and the activities director. According to Bergman, parents need to understand that they may have to report an incident to each person or group responsible for discipline, to be assured that the information is disseminated to the correct authorities.

The Board then approved the amended agenda and the consent agenda.

The new Board Secretary/Treasurer, Sindy Wear, was given the oath of office by the Board President.

The elementary and secondary principals gave their end-of-the-year reports. Mr. Palmatier felt it was a “great year!” Fun Day had approximately 50 community volunteers. PLC Leaders went over Professional Development. He met with the new teachers and their mentors.

Mr. Kracht also felt the middle school and high school had a good year. Staff worked on PD that they’ve been trying to get in since the snow in January and discussed what PLC Leaders will be working on. Other concerns include the cellphone policy and what changes the teachers see that are needed, and ended with employability skills needed by all students. He too met with the new teachers and their mentors.

The Superintendent went over summer projects that he expects to be finished at the start of the of the new school year. He also explained the summer watering schedule of the football field as questions had arisen.

The board took the following actions:

The Board discussed the information contained in a document called Data Dive 2023- 2024 presented by Allison Lair and Becky Ahern. It gave demographic information on the New London student body. Some of the highlights were: the average ACT score for NL students who take the ACT is 22.23. The state’s average is 20.8. The college and career readiness score for NL students is 56, the highest in Southeast Iowa. The state’s average is 50. The four-year graduation rate is 95%. The concerns include the number of students with IEPs who were below proficient, and some curriculum issues that will be addressed when school starts in the fall.

The district’s phone policy for 24-25 was the next topic of discussion. It is a policy that currently is read and signed off on by both parents and students. There are certainly challenges associated with all personal technology. Along with cellphones, other distractions can include Apple Watches and earbuds. Keeping cellphone usage shut down during the school day is particularly hard to enforce in the MS/HS. The Board wrestled with the many ramifications of the issue. Mike McBeth expressed agreement with Kevin Bergman that using the phone inappropriately is different from calling your mom or having it out to see what time it is. The board directed the Administrators to come up with parameters of consequences for various levels of misuse to discuss at the next meeting.

In personnel matters, the board accepted the following resignations: Jennifer Lane-Head Cook; Sheila Santos- Special education associate; Chevy Mills- Special education associate; Angie Buckman-Special education associate; Kim Kerns-Special education associate; Alexis Stevenson-Asst. HS Volleyball coach; and Greg Lerdal-Head Coed Golf coach.

In personnel matters, the Board approved the following appointments: Joe White-extended contract grades 3-5 art; Tina Garrett-Math consultant K-8; Luann Martin-Summer credit recovery; Donna Carlson-Librarian; Paxton Lindsey-Summer custodian; Charity Ngugi-full time substitute; Duane Worthy, Jerry Wilhelm, Duane Blint, Shelly Hardester- Sub bus drivers; Jennifer Campbell, Cody Lambert-shared mentors; Karen Enberg/Sara Miller-TLC mentors; and Mr. & Mrs. Pritchard-Summer Basketball gym supervisors.

The Board then went into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code, Section 21.5 to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual's reputation and that individual requests a closed session.

Coming out of closed session, they approved continuation with the SRO.

After returning to open session after the second closed session, the meeting adjourned. The next regular meeting of the New London school board will be July 15, 2024 at 6 p.m. in the north campus boardroom.