Elko County School District defends new student cell‑phone restrictions tied to state law

Ken Higbee, representing the Elko County School District, updated the Board of Health on the district’s new student cell‑phone policy and mental‑health outreach as the school year began. Higbee said the district started the school year with “a little over 9,000 kids” in attendance and highlighted expansion of the Hope Squad mental‑health program and a district convocation speaker focused on human connection. He said the convocation speaker’s message supported the district’s decision to enact a stricter cell‑phone policy. On the policy, Higbee told the board: “To support school environments in which students can fully engage with their classmates, their teachers, and instruction. The board has determined the use of cell phones by students during school hours should be restricted.” He said the district passed the policy July 15 and that it is grounded in state law and recent legislation. Higbee and board members referenced state requirements: he said the policy references existing Nevada statutes and that Senate Bill 444 (SB 444) strengthened the prior statute by requiring school boards to adopt policies that limit or prohibit student use of electronic communication devices during instructional time and to include progressive discipline for violations. Higbee said permitted exceptions include documented needs in an IEP or 504 plan, health needs such as diabetes monitoring, emergencies or principal‑approved uses. Why it matters: Higbee and board members said the policy aims to increase student engagement, reduce cyberbullying and discipline problems and restore in‑person human connections that they argued have declined with increased cell‑phone use. Discussion versus decision: the update was informational; the district said the policy is in force and that all teachers must follow it. Board members asked for follow‑up on results after implementation.