The Detroit Lakes School Board held a work session on Monday to discuss several key issues, including a potential closed campus policy and cellphone usage regulations. After thorough discussion, the board reached a consensus against implementing a closed campus policy for high school students. High School Principal Josh Omang explained that maintaining an open campus tied to students’ attendance and grades has significantly reduced tardiness and unexcused absences while improving overall academic performance.
The board also focused on creating a consistent cellphone usage policy across the district. This comes in response to a new state law requiring formal cellphone policies in all school districts by May next year. Discussions included whether to allow limited cellphone use during non-instructional times like lunch periods or to prohibit usage entirely during the school day. The board emphasized the need for clear and consistent policies that both parents and students can easily understand and follow.
No official actions were taken during the work session, but these discussions will shape the district’s policies moving forward.