The Board of Education approved Policy 43‑18 at its Aug. 12 meeting to comply with the state requirement in House Bill 959 that districts adopt rules on student use of wireless communication devices during the instructional day.

Bobby Locklear summarized policy committee recommendations and referenced the state bill. Locklear said the committee agreed to add smartwatches to the definition of wireless communication devices and to update classroom authorization language. The revised policy reads, in part, that "teachers and administrators may authorize individual students to use their devices provided that they supervise the students, in the event of emergency such as, but not limited to, personal health emergency, arrange after school transportation, or need for school to communicate with parents or guardians." (Policy language as read to the board.)

Craig (board member) moved to approve Policy 43‑18; Dr. Emmanuel seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.

Why this matters: House Bill 959 requires local boards to adopt policies on wireless device use during the instructional day; the district's updated policy clarifies permitted supervised uses and explicitly includes smartwatches in the device definition.

The policy will be transmitted to the School Board Association as required and will be effective for the coming school year.