Coronado High School has issued only 12 cell phone referrals since the start of the school year under a new mandatory lock box policy.

Principal Karin Mellina shared the figure at the Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) board meeting Oct. 15, reporting that the program is working. Every CHS classroom now has a lock box. Students must stow their phones during instructional time but can use them between classes and at lunch.

A tiered penalty system tracks infractions through a dedicated referral form. Mellina said students have followed the policy without complaint, and teachers report less cheating and stronger concentration, according to Coronado Eagle & Journal coverage of the meeting.

The CHS policy follows a similar rollout at Coronado Middle School. CMS Principal Brooke Falar reported at the Sept. 10 board meeting that after five weeks of using lockable phone pouches, the school had recorded only five first offenses. All 36 CMS teachers surveyed said the policy was effective.

Discipline Dashboard gets first look

Superintendent Karl Mueller presented the first data from a new "Discipline Dashboard" at the same Oct. 15 meeting. The monthly report tracks discipline incidents across the district and will be publicly available through Mueller's monthly newsletter.

Mueller's report stated the district's framework "balances accountable discipline with constructive learning opportunities," including proactive supports, tiered disciplinary action, parent resources and reporting. Specific incident counts and school-by-school breakdowns were not detailed in available meeting coverage.

Technology audit eyes AI guidelines

Mueller also presented findings from a recent technology audit. The audit examined gaps between classroom technology use and parent perceptions, instructional guardrails and emerging artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

The superintendent recommended a Draft Technology Use Plan that would define district AI parameters, strengthen parent awareness and explore digital wellness protocols. Mueller announced the audit at the Sept. 10 meeting, saying staff would provide quarterly updates to trustees.

HVAC committee holds first meeting

Mueller told the board the newly formed HVAC Committee held its first meeting and reviewed historical temperature and humidity data, heat day records, facility infrastructure, timelines and costs.

The committee formed in September after a surge in heat-related early dismissals. The district estimates air conditioning all CUSD schools would cost roughly $40 million. As the Coronado Eagle & Journal reported Oct. 9, the committee includes Trustees Renee Cavanaugh and Fitzhugh Lee, maintenance staff, technical experts and community partners.

The committee is expected to present its first report to the board in early 2027. When Mueller announced the committee at the Sept. 10 meeting, he described a 12-month timeline, according to The Coronado News.

The board's next regular meeting is Thursday, Nov. 12, at 4 p.m. in the District Office Board Room.