School board adopts ban on student personal electronic devices during school day

The Westland-Wilsonville School District board voted 5-0 Monday to adopt revisions to policy JFECB that prohibit students from using personal electronic devices during instructional hours in district high schools and limit use in other grade levels. The board approved the change after staff outlined outreach, enforcement and exemption procedures. The board and district leaders said the change responds to an executive order and aims to reduce classroom distraction and improve student safety and engagement. Superintendent Dr. Ludwig and Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Spencer Ryants described outreach to families, students and staff and said the district will phase in clear rules and supports before full enforcement. Board members and staff said the policy is required by a governor's executive order and must be adopted by Oct. 31; implementation can begin Jan. 1…