Piedmont Community Charter board reads wireless-device policy required by state law; approves personnel report

The Piedmont Community Charter School Board of Directors on Oct. 21 conducted a first reading of a proposed wireless communication device policy that the school says was developed in response to House Bill 959 (Session Law 2025-38) and will be finalized for a second reading and vote at the board’s November meeting.

The policy, read aloud by the board during the governance-committee report, would require students to keep wireless devices “secured in their lockers or book bags if lockers are not available during the school day from 07:15AM to dismissal.” The draft defines wireless devices to include cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds and other devices, and describes a step-based set of disciplinary responses for repeated violations. The board discussed exceptions for instruction, emergencies and students with documented medical or special-learning needs.

Why it matters: The board’s first reading implements a state-level directive and sets schoolwide limits on device use during school hours. The board asked the school attorney to refine language on whether offenses reset each semester or are cumulative, and to remove a disciplinary chart from the policy so consequences remain under administrative discretion.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes for the Sept. 16, 2025 meeting — motion made and seconded; voice vote recorded as in favor; no dissent recorded (approved). - Approval of the September…