For a summary of the August 2025 meeting of the Coldwater Board of Education with Superintendent Doug Mader:

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AI Generated summary of the Coldwater Board of Education Meeting:

Meeting Notes

1. Financial Update

   The Treasurer, Jen McCoy, provided a financial update on the budget for the first month of the new fiscal year.

2. Summer Preparations for the 25-26 School Year

   The Superintendent reported that the custodial and maintenance crew has the building ready to welcome students for the 25-26 school year. The teaching and support staff also worked hard all summer, taking college classes, participating in multiple professional development opportunities, and getting their rooms ready for this year's students as early as the beginning of July.

   The school is ready to welcome students for the 25-26 school year.

3. New Cell Phone Policy

   A cell phone policy, similar to what was held last year but now in response to a new state law that bans cell phones during instructional time, has been implemented. In grades K-8, cell phones are banned; they must be stored away if brought to school and turned off. In grades 9-12, a common sense approach is used where students bring phones to the classroom and place them in hanging pouches, not retrieving them until the class is completely over. Students are allowed to check for emergency messages from parents for logistical purposes (e.g., needing to bring a younger sibling home), but are not allowed to scroll social media or use texting apps with friends. Phones must be placed in pouches in each subsequent classroom and in study hall. Earbuds are not allowed in transition or at lunch, but are permitted for educational purposes directed by the teacher and only when connected to a school device. They are also allowed in study hall as students tend to like to listen to music while doing schoolwork. This policy may be adjusted if the state tightens the law (as they are reviewing for a possible total ban) or if abuses are observed. The school has until January of 2026 to adopt a new policy.

   A cell phone policy, similar to the previous one but aligned with a new state law, is in place with different rules for K-8 and 9-12 students, and it is subject to future revision based on state law changes or observed abuses.

4. Board Recommendations

   The meeting included a discussion of several recommendations to the board.

   The board voted and accepted the recommendations.

Next Arrangements

• The cell phone policy may be adjusted by January of 2026 if the state tightens the law, potentially moving towards a total ban, or if the school sees abuses.