Among the possible policy changes on the Baltic School Board’s most recent agenda was the consideration of iPod use during students’ SRB time, the “Student Responsibility Block” instated with the new block scheduling.

SRB time lasts 30 minutes for sixth through 12th grade students, and it is intended for completion of assignments, makeup tests or quizzes or to see a teacher for extra homework help.

High school principal Jim Aisenbrey said at the board’s Sept. 10 meeting that teachers had requested students be able to listen to iPods during this allocated study time. The students had previously been able to listen to music on the district’s tablets via music on a flash drive, but Aisenbrey said there had been requests to expand the language to include iPods.

Board member Ron Krogstad said it seemed as if it would create additional work for teachers, but since the request was made by teachers, it should be considered. “It seems like more for the teachers to monitor, but if they’re asking for it…”

Superintendent Bob Sittig said that devices often allow for use of applications and games aside from music, which is something that should be taken into account.

“Quite often our policies lag behind advances in technology,” he said. “The issue isn’t the device itself, but whether or not the students should be listening to music at all.”

Board president Dave Haagenson suggested giving the policy change a one-month trial period, and Sittig said the policy could be reviewed again in October.