Mantua – At the last Crestwood School Board meeting, the board approved a policy that states that usage of personal communication devices (PCDs) are not permitted during the school day. The policy defines PCDs to include computers, tablets, electronic readers, cell phones, smartphones, and/or other web-enabled devices of any type. The policy notes, however, that students may use PCDs before and after school, during after school extra curricular activities, and at school-related functions. Parents and guardians will be advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the school office.
If a student brings a device to school, it must be powered completely off and stored out of sight in the student’s locker. During after-school activities, PCDs shall be powered completely off and stored out of sight when directed by the administrator or sponsor. The policy notes, however that “under certain circumstances, a student may keep his/her PCD “On” with prior approval from the principal. Except as authorized by a teacher, administrator or IEP team, students are prohibited from using PCDs during the school day, including while off-campus on a field trip, to capture, record and/or transmit the words or sounds (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person. Using a PCD to capture, record and/or transmit audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without proper consent is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted.” It was noted that violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the PCD, which will be returned to parent or guardian after the student complies with any disciplinary consequences that were imposed.
In financial news, District Treasurer Deb Armbruster, who resigned her position as of June 30th, has agreed to stay on as Interim Treasurer through July 30th, 2019. In similar news, the board voted to place a renewal levy on November’s ballot. The original four-year levy, which was approved by voters in the May 2015 election, is set to expire in 2021, and brought in an estimated $1,400,000 each calendar year. Voters will see the renewal levy on the ballot on November 5th, 2019. While discussions of the pressing need for a operating levy took place, voters won’t see any additional school levies on the ballot this fall.
Next, the Board discussed the possibility of joining the Chagrin Valley Conference for athletics, meaning a departure from the Portage Trail Conference. A decision on this matter is due prior to the 2019-2020 academic year. Lastly, the Board accepted the resignations of Assistant Principal Craig Boles, Band Director Rachel Blenman-Caldwell, and Guidance Counselor Katelyn Cristino.
Superintendent Toth recognized the June Employees of the Month: Certified employees Rachel Grabowski and Megan Feaster, and Classified employee Wanda Hoffman.
The next regularly scheduled School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 9th at 7 pm in the CHS Library.
