The Lake Havasu Unified District held a special session on July 31, 2025, to discuss a new policy regarding student cell phone use during school hours. The meeting, which took place on August 2, 2025, featured a range of opinions from board members about the implications of the proposed procedure.

The discussion began with acknowledgments of the efforts made by the student services team, including Director Chuck Keller and staff members Miss Barney and Mr. Becker. Their work on the policy was praised, but concerns were raised about whether the new procedure truly aligns with the intent of state law, which aims to limit student cell phone usage more strictly.

One board member expressed hesitation, noting that while the policy allows for some cell phone access during the school day, it may not fully support the law's goal of reducing distractions. They emphasized the importance of limiting cell phone use to enhance student focus and learning. However, they also recognized the potential burden on teachers, who might have to monitor cell phone use instead of focusing on instruction.

Another board member contributed to the discussion by highlighting the developmental differences between middle and high school students. They argued that while middle school students should not have access to cell phones during lunch, high school students can be trusted to use their phones responsibly. This perspective suggests that the policy is designed to adapt to students' maturity levels and prepare them for appropriate cell phone use in the workforce.

The board member concluded by pointing out that if the legislature intended for stricter regulations, they should not have granted the district the authority to create its own rules. This indicates a willingness to revisit the policy in the future if necessary.

Ultimately, the board voted in favor of the procedure, despite the expressed concerns. The meeting underscored the ongoing debate about balancing student autonomy with the need for a focused learning environment. The district plans to monitor the implementation of the policy and its effects on student behavior and learning outcomes.