School board adopts bell‑to‑bell cell‑phone policy after state law change

The Prince Edward County School Board on a unanimous voice vote adopted policy JFCM to restrict student use of cell phones and personal communication devices during instructional time, following a state law the superintendent said was signed by the governor.

Superintendent Doctor Jones told the board the law requires students to keep phones and other personal communication devices out of use “from bell to bell.” "When Governor Youngkin signed into law that's, cell phone free from bell to bell instruction," she said, and staff moved quickly to implement the policy so it would be in place by the state deadline.

Doctor Jones said the division began day‑two implementation and that principals and staff are enforcing the rule. She said the district communicated with families and that students were adjusting: "Students are adjusting to it," she told the board. The superintendent also warned that while the law bars discipline specifically for device possession, noncompliant behavior can be handled under the standard student code of conduct.

Board members moved to approve policy JFCM, Student Cell Phone and Smart Device Position and Use Policy. A board member made the motion and the motion was seconded; the board approved the policy by voice vote. Staff said they will continue to monitor enforcement, consider reasonable emergency exceptions, and provide follow‑up communications to families.

The board directed staff to return with any needed clarifications or recommended regulatory language as the school year proceeds.