Marysville board adopts model cell-phone policy; student and board members seek clarity on exceptions

The Marysville Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a set of board policies that include a model policy limiting student use of cell phones during the school day, board members said at their August meeting. The policy adopts the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) model language and the district plans to enforce a ban by the state-mandated date of Jan. 1, 2026, with narrow exceptions for documented medical needs.

Why it matters: Board members said the change aims to reduce distractions and support student engagement, while students and some board members pressed for clearer definitions of permitted exceptions and implementation details.

The policy before the board uses ODE model text that generally prohibits cell-phone use during the school day,…