School committee hears first read of cell-phone policy update to allow assistive-device exceptions

The School Committee reviewed a first reading of an update to the district cell-phone policy that adds a section of permissible exceptions for student personal devices. The proposed text states exceptions shall be made for student devices that provide access to assistive technology necessary to comply with Section 504 plans, individualized education programs (IEPs), documented medical needs (for example, glucose monitoring), or to support multilingual learners with appropriate language-access services; allowable exceptions must be written into the student’s plan and approved by the appropriate team or coordinator.

Committee members welcomed the exception for assistive technology and medical needs but asked for clarification about scope and enforceability. Several members asked whether the proposed language could be read as a blanket exemption if a student’s plan listed one allowable function; they asked whether administrators could clearly enforce that the device be used only for the approved purpose (for example, supporting hearing or language access) and not for unrelated activity such as streaming video during lunch.

The administration said the language is based on counsel’s recommended wording and the state law that informed the district’s policy update; because this was a first read the committee agreed administration should consult building administrators and counsel and bring back clarified language that gives principals workable enforcement criteria. The administration agreed to return the revised wording for a second read after consulting principals and counsel, and to include examples that make clear permitted use is limited to the assistive or medically documented function documented in a student plan.

The item will return for a second read after administration and legal review.