Post Falls, ID — Elevate Academy School District is facing mounting criticism over its new phone policy, which prohibits students from carrying phones or tracking devices during school hours. This policy has drawn sharp criticism for jeopardizing the safety of students with disabilities, as it bans the use of these essential tools without providing accommodations for those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans.
Critical Safety Issues
The policy mandates that all students lock their phones in secure boxes from the start of the school day until dismissal, including during lunch and breaks. For students with disabilities, particularly those prone to wandering due to sensory overload or other conditions, this rule significantly increases safety risks. Parents are unable to track or contact their children in real-time, which could have severe consequences in emergencies.
District's Refusal to Address Concerns
Despite numerous appeals from parents and advocates, the district has firmly refused to make any accommodations for students with disabilities. This stance has led to accusations that the district is disregarding the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable students. The policy’s lack of flexibility for those who depend on their phones for critical support is seen as a blatant failure to uphold the district's responsibilities under existing educational and disability laws.
Ongoing Investigations and Violations
The controversy surrounding the phone policy is compounded by additional scrutiny on Elevate Academy. The district is currently under investigation for 16 violations at its Post Falls location and 8 violations at its Nampa school, highlighting broader concerns about how it addresses special education needs. These investigations reveal systemic issues within the district’s handling of educational and disability services.
Community Action Needed:
1. Raise Awareness: Share information about the policy and its implications with your network to build support and pressure for change.
2. Attend District Meetings: Voice your concerns at school board meetings. Direct engagement with district officials can help push for a policy review.
3. Contact Officials: Reach out to school administrators and board members to express your concerns about the policy’s impact on students with disabilities.
4. Organize Advocacy Efforts: Collaborate with other concerned community members to organize petitions, rallies, or other forms of advocacy to demand changes.
5. Engage with Media: Highlight this issue through local media channels to increase public awareness and pressure on the district.

School Contacts:

The time to act is now.

Matt Strong Co-Founder: [email protected]
Monica White Co-Founder: [email protected]
Website: elevate208.org

Further Reading and Resources

For those interested in more details about the ongoing investigation and the district's handling of special education needs, read the full report on Idaho EdNews https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/state-investigation-amid-rapid-growth-elevate-failed-to-address-special-education-needs/

For more details about the policy and to access the complete document, please visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F6OazQW2KE0tOrD9FHXw9yOOABRrCfEB/edit?rtpof=true&sd=true

Policy FAQ: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gey4ktKokTnAdQ0W_LglV6xj2Hz1VgdK/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105308121217342819631&rtpof=true&sd=true