District preparing local policy to implement state 'bell‑to‑bell' ban on student smart devices

Board members discussed recent state legislation that will limit student use of internet‑enabled devices during the school day and the district’s plan to create a local implementing policy.

District leaders told the board the legislation’s language likely covers “smart devices” and other internet‑enabled equipment and will include exceptions, though the board and administrators said the precise exceptions are not yet finalized at the state level. The superintendent said the district must adopt a policy before the first day of school and that the policy committee and building administrators will draft procedures for each building.

Board members raised equity and privacy questions about exceptions. One board member asked whether permitted exceptions—medical monitoring, communications related to caregiving or other needs—could unintentionally single out students or reveal private family circumstances. Administrators acknowledged those concerns and said the district will await the state’s exception guidance before finalizing local procedures.

The superintendent and other administrators noted that middle‑school students currently keep phones in lockers or backpacks and that the district expects high school students can comply with similar rules with appropriate reinforcement and reminders. Administrators also said they would avoid overly prescriptive implementation language (for example, a requirement that all devices be placed in a purchased “pouch” each day) in favor of principle‑based rules that give staff discretion by building and situation.

The district plans to communicate the forthcoming policy to families in advance; the superintendent said he would include a notice in the weekly Monday message so parents can prepare. The board will review a proposed policy and any building‑level procedures as state guidance becomes available.