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The Andalusia Board of Education on Wednesday, June 22 approved a policy related to electronic communication for Andalusia Junior High School.

The “Electronic Communication Device Use by Students” policy based on increased usage of devices by students, according to Superintendent Dr. Daniel Shakespeare.

According to the policy, the “use of electronic devices by students during the instructional day is strictly prohibited.”

The policy states that the “Instructional day” includes, but is not limited to, class instructional time, study halls, lunch periods, class changes and other structured or non-structured activities that occur during the normal school day. Storage of electronic communication devices while at school is limited to school lockers.

The policy states: “Students will not be allowed to have electronic communication devices in their possession during the instructional day as defined above.”

According to school officials, the school-wide disciplinary plan for failure to adhere to the electronic communication device policy include the following measures:          

First Offense — Device may be picked up by the student in the main office at the end of the school day. This will result in the first offense office referral.

Second Offense — Device is held in the main office and must be picked up by a parent/guardian at the end of the day.  This will result in the second offense office referral.

Third Offense — Device will be held in the main office pending parent, student, and administrator conference. This will result in a third offense office referral.

Exceptions to the policy for health or other extraordinary needs must be approved by the school administration.  A student who possesses an electronic communication device shall assume responsibility for its care. At no time shall the school system be responsible for preventing theft, loss or damage to such devices brought onto school property.

Other items discussed during the board’s meeting include:

• approving a bid for the HVAC/roofing project for the AHS old gym and cafeteria. The bid amount approved is $754,000.
• approving a personnel report that included the hiring of J.P. Spann as a fulltime physical education teacher at AES, as well as the retirement of AES cafeteria employee Rita Spivey.
• approving the purchase of two cafeteria serving lines for AES. The cost is $97,000 from the state bid list.
• approving bids for ice cream and drinks.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 11, 6 p.m.