briefs school district

Cell phone policy 

The school board is working toward updating its cell phone policy and reviewed the first reading on May 4. The board has agreed to change the policy for students in grades 9-12, in which students must keep their personal devices silenced and out of sight (“No See, No Hear”) in a locker, backpack, car or similar storage container while inside the school building and during the entire instructional day (“bell to bell”). Devices will not be stored in clothing, pockets or otherwise on the person. This is the same for grades pre-K-8, which has already been in effect. Previously, the policy required high school students to keep their silenced personal devices out of sight during instructional time. 

The board took no action on the first reading, wanting to first ensure consistency for enforcement and consequences of cell phone violations, and will consider approval of the policy at their next meeting on May 18. 

CBCS construction update

Matt Prinster of Artaic presented a school construction update with the board, sharing that work is progressing in the secondary school lower level at CBCS. Summer construction work will include renovations in the secondary school upper and lower levels, landscaping, south parking lot renovations and initial work on the Red Lady roundabout in coordination with the town of Crested Butte. 

Prinster said that the school district has carved out $1.3 million for the Red Lady roundabout construction and the design is nearing 90% completion. He said CDOT is currently reviewing the 60% design package. “Once we hear back from CDOT, we’ll take their feedback into the final package and be ready to go out to bid with the work later this summer and finalize the hard cost numbers,” he said. “Realistically the bulk of the work would start in 2027. If we’re able to get a jump, we’d love to do some utility relocations with the town this summer.”