School board approves amended cell phone policy; members agree to pursue wider "bell‑to‑bell" approach later

The Prince Edward County School Board voted to approve an amended cell phone policy that requires students to place phones in a classroom container when classes begin, while directing staff to continue planning for a possible stricter "bell‑to‑bell" restriction.

Board discussion focused on how to operationalize enforcement. Staff described that high school classrooms have used a box system since January and said additional containers would be purchased for middle and elementary levels to promote consistent practice. Board members raised operational questions — who collects and secures phones, how to handle smart devices such as watches, and how to manage noncompliance — and sought details about disciplinary steps.

One board member emphasized a desire for more details about daily implementation before committing to a full bell‑to‑bell rule statewide proponents have described; another favored approving the classroom‑box amendment as an interim step and publicly signaling the division’s intent to move toward bell‑to‑bell if state guidance or executive action evolves. Staff stressed they would include procedures, communications to families, and training for teachers before the policy takes effect.

The motion approved the amended policy as presented (classroom collection and return upon exiting class) and directed staff to return with the revised Standards of Student Conduct language and additional operational details next month. The board noted that consequences for refusal to comply are described in the code of conduct (progressive discipline including office referral and possible suspension for repeated refusal) and that the proposed changes were intended to align the division with emerging state guidance while minimizing disruption to daily operations.