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Jordan School District board asks staff to send cell‑phone policy refresher, opens doors for local pilots
Summary
District leaders reported generally positive effects from the districtwide student cell‑phone policy and asked staff to issue a short video and reminders; the board encouraged schools or school community councils to propose localized pilots (for example bell‑to‑bell bans or device pouches) rather than ordering a districtwide mandate.
Board members and administrators reported that Jordan School District’s administrative policy AA‑4.53 on personal electronic devices has produced mostly positive results in classrooms, and directed staff to issue a short, districtwide refresher for parents, students and employees.
Superintendent Anthony Godfrey told the board that principals and teachers reported “kids are more engaged with each other, more engaged in class,” and that initial rates of confiscated devices have fallen since the policy was introduced. He and Associate Superintendent Mike Anderson said the biggest outstanding questions are clarity for elementary schools about devices at lunch, on playgrounds and smartwatch use, and practical handling of repeat offenders at secondary schools.
Board members debated whether to require a bell‑to‑bell ban at some middle schools. Several trustees urged local initiative over a blanket district rule: the board encouraged principals and school community councils to propose pilots and noted the board would consider funding requests (for example, phone pouches) if a school submitted a plan. Trustees also asked staff to prepare a short (60‑second) video reminder the district can show students during class and distribute to families.
Administrators described a range of local practices: some secondary schools require repeat offenders to check phones in at the start of the day, some elementary schools restrict watch usage unless it is being actively used as a phone, and some schools are exploring pouch systems. Board members asked staff to remind schools that the policy allows school‑level modifications when approved by the school community council.
District staff reported the practical impacts: an administrator said confiscations in a typical school dropped from about 12 per day at rollout to about three per day. Trustees also discussed operational concerns such as substitute teacher training and end‑of‑day phone return logistics. Several board members asked staff to revisit the item in May so any changes could be implemented at the start of a school year rather than midterm.
The board did not adopt new written policy language at the meeting; it directed communications staff to produce the reminder video and directed principals/school community councils to bring formal pilot proposals to the board if they request district funding or support.
