Salem School Board adopts bell-to-bell cell phone ban and new student-device policy

The Salem School Board on Aug. 19, 2025 voted 5-0 to adopt policy JICJ, establishing a districtwide "bell-to-bell" ban on personal communication devices for students.

The policy implements recent state law mandating that students may not use personal communication devices from the first bell that starts instructional time until the dismissal bell. Superintendent Mara Palmer said the locally drafted policy "reflects the language of the RSA" and was developed with input from the New Hampshire School Boards Association and district counsel.

Board members heard a presentation from Jeff Dennis, principal of Salem High School, who described the high school's implementation plan: "At the high school, bell to bell runs from 07:30, the first bell rings until the final bell rings at 02:15PM. During that time, between 07:30 and 02:15, phones must be turned off and stored in backpacks or lockers." Dennis said the rule applies across the school day, including passing time and lunch, and that staff will provide repeated reminders during the opening weeks.

Matt Berry, speaking about Woodbury School, said the expectations there mirror the high school: "Specifically to Woodbury School, the expectations are the same, bell to bell." School leaders described a graduated enforcement approach: first offenses result in the device being retrieved and secured for pick-up at the end of the day; a second offense requires parent pickup; repeated violations may trigger counseling or other interventions.

Palmer and principals emphasized exemptions and procedures. Palmer said the law provides "specific exemptions for these devices" for medically necessary devices or when devices are required by an IEP or 504 plan; the school's designee will determine eligibility. Dennis and other administrators said teams will work with families to identify when devices are needed for health reasons, and to educate students about appropriate use.

The board also discussed expectations for staff. Palmer said staff are not banned from phones but building principals have been asked to "model appropriate behavior" and staff should get coverage or step out of classrooms to take personal calls except in true emergencies.

Palmer said the district has prepared outreach materials and will include the policy and enforcement procedures in school handbooks and opening-day communications. A short public-information video from the New Hampshire School Administrators Association was shown before the hearing.

During the meeting the board opened and then closed a public hearing on the policy; with no public speakers registering comments, Vice Chair Bernie Campbell moved to close the hearing and the board approved the motion by voice vote (5-0). Campbell then moved to adopt policy JICJ (seconded by Kelly Moss); the motion passed 5-0.

Next steps described by administrators include continued teacher and student messaging during the first weeks of school, individualized accommodation plans for students with medical or IEP/504 needs, and review of the policy in the district's annual policy review cycle.