New Kent School Board amends policy addressing controversial issues; tables cell phone policy

New Kent’s School Board adopted an amended policy to specify how to address controversial issues involving classroom material.

District 4 representative Ron Vaught brought forward the proposal at an earlier meeting. The policy provides guidelines of teacher responsibilities when addressing issues to deliver the curriculum while not imposing personal views to students. The policy further explains the expectations of administrators, teachers, employees, and students to respect the dignity and rights of others to express differing opinions.

The policy also contains information regarding the nondiscrimination policy. That policy states that all staff shall be mindful that all children are created equal and one race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, or sex is not inherently superior or inferior to one another.

The policy does not prohibit teachers from including in their instruction utilizing textbooks and other material according to approved curriculum that covers areas. Teachers are also instructed not to initiate nor engage in discussions with students about sexual orientation or gender identification.

District 3 school board member Heather Donbrosky asked for clarification regarding a teacher initiating discussions about sexual orientation or gender identity, referencing model policies that were passed down by the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) to the school system. She expressed concerns about what to do if a scenario arose in the school.

Vaught responded, saying he believed that the information was regulatory rather than policy. He added that he was open to anything and just wanted to address the issue prior to the eleventh hour.

The amendment was passed unanimously.

In an additional topic, New Kent School Board delayed voting on a cell phone policy, tabling it to a later date.

A tentative policy was put in place that would see cell phones prohibited in classrooms. District 1 member Keith Pagano asked the delay to vote on the policy and said through research that the school board has the authorization through the Constitution of Virginia and the Department of Education to impose the restriction. Because the information came as a first read due to revisions to the original proposal, the policy was tabled to a later date.

But the following day (July 9), Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed Executive Order 33, pushing for the prohibition of cell phone usage in schools by students.

“This essential action will promote a healthier and more focused educational environment where every child is free to learn,” Youngkin said in a press release. “Creating cell phone and social media-free educational environments in Virginia’s K-12 education system will benefit students, parents, and educators.”

The topic continues to be a heavily discussed debate among several school systems, including New Kent and Charles City. Those in favor of the ban say it will improve instructional environments, but those who oppose it have expressed concerns and worries about emergency communication.

VDOE has been instructed to create a model draft policy by Aug. 15, with an expected implementation of school systems to take place by Jan. 1, 2025.