Barnstable Public Schools officials and school committee members discussed a draft district policy Tuesday night that would limit student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time and allow schools to adopt different implementation procedures by level.

The discussion focused heavily on how to implement a “bell‑to‑bell” restriction and whether to use locked phone pouches; Principal Jason Kaneta said the policy is intended to “maximize the instruction and not having anything disrupt those 60 minutes.”

The draft policy circulated districtwide after multiple subcommittee meetings and includes flexibility for exceptions such as documented medical needs and different practices at elementary, intermediate and high school levels. Kaneta told the committee that some districts using locked pouches have reported reduced course failures and fewer classroom confrontations, and that staff want a clear rollout strategy so schools can implement consistently.

Superintendent Sarah (name provided in the record as Sarah) told the committee the draft is broad by design so building leaders can create level‑appropriate procedures and handbooks. She said the high school presents the largest logistical challenge because of its size and complexity, which is why the high‑school principal attended the meeting.

Committee members voiced several implementation concerns during the discussion: how families would contact students in an emergency, costs of providing pouches for a large high school population, and the need for a thorough community engagement process before adoption. Member Mike said parents’ practical concerns—such as arranging off‑campus pickups and appointments—must be addressed in any implementation plan.

The committee took no vote on the policy. Chair Peter (first name recorded in the minutes) moved to allow more time for public feedback and to refer the draft back to the policy subcommittee; the board scheduled additional review at the subcommittee meeting on Aug. 11 and expects to consider a final vote in August after public forums and written comments.

If adopted, building principals will publish level‑specific procedures in their handbooks; committee members emphasized the need for consistent, districtwide enforcement once a policy is approved.