Bedford board adopts updated cell‑phone policy; parents and staff raise privacy concerns for exceptions

The Bedford School Board voted Wednesday to adopt revised policy JICJ implementing the state’s new rules on student personal electronic devices. The policy requires devices to be kept off or stowed during instructional time, establishes designated exceptions and directs administrators to handle approved exceptions through PowerSchool flags so staff can recognize students who are permitted to carry devices for medical or other approved reasons. The board approved the policy and withdrew an older administrative regulation (JICJ‑R) that is no longer applicable under the updated policy. Board members and parents raised practical and privacy questions during debate. A parent with a child who relies on a medical device expressed concern the PowerSchool icon that denotes a permitted exception could force students to disclose private medical needs to peers or casual observers. Another board member urged staff training and clear communication to avoid turning classroom teachers into “cell‑phone police.” Administrators described a compromise some secondary teachers favor: storing phones in wall pouches in classrooms rather than allowing phones in pockets or bags, which teachers said reduces classroom interruptions from vibrating devices. The board requested that high‑school leadership document any chosen implementation approach (for example, classroom phone pouches) in the high‑school handbook so expectations are consistent for staff and students. The policy includes explicit exemption and accommodation procedures and allows administrators to contact parents during noninstructional times if students are observed with devices in violation of the policy. Board members said they would seek clarifying language about handling exemptions to reduce inadvertent disclosure of medical or special‑education information. The policy passed on a second read by voice vote.