The Stillwater School Board approved a comprehensive policy restricting personal electronic communication devices in schools during its March 4 meeting, while also receiving detailed proposals for new elementary literacy curriculum adoption.

The board unanimously passed Policy 5245, which establishes guidelines for student use of cell phones and other electronic devices during school hours. The policy allows school administration to establish specific guidelines for off-campus activities such as field trips and tournaments, with details to be provided at pre-activity meetings. Implementation procedures will be developed by June, with broader community communication planned.

In curriculum matters, district officials presented recommendations for adopting new elementary literacy programs following extensive committee review. The proposal includes Benchmark Advance for comprehensive literacy instruction and UFLI Foundations for foundational reading skills in kindergarten through second grade. Staff reported that 94.6% of surveyed staff and community members endorsed the Benchmark Advance adoption.

The curriculum adoption would cost approximately $815,000 in the first year, with total six-year costs reaching about $1.4 million. Officials said the investment could result in 65 additional students reaching reading proficiency annually based on national performance data. The board will vote on funding approval at its March 18 meeting.

Rutherford Elementary Principal Heather also provided a building update, highlighting the school's open learning environment and recent achievements. The school serves 573 students in kindergarten through fifth grade and houses the district's developmental cognitive delay cluster program. She noted challenges with collaboration time due to the building's unique house structure but praised strong community support through the Parent Teacher Association.