School leaders outline rollout of statewide student cell‑phone ban, plan district policy and outreach
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Summary
District staff described steps to implement a new Oregon executive order banning student cell phones during instructional time, including an advisory committee, draft policy aligned to OSBA guidance and a public outreach campaign targeting parents and students.
District staff told the school board on Thursday that they will begin implementing a statewide executive order that restricts student use of cellular devices during instructional time and will bring a district policy for board review this fall. Jeff, a secondary-school staff member speaking for the administration, said the executive order covers K–12 public schools statewide and the district plans to align its policy with Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) guidance.
The superintendent’s office has convened an advisory committee of administrators, teachers and community members and expects to deliver a draft policy for board consideration before the state deadline, officials said. The district will start an outreach campaign to parents and students that includes banners at schools and planned billboards in partnership with Klamath Promise.
Administrators emphasized the change applies only during the instructional day and does not apply to bus transportation or after‑school activities. “Bus drivers are not expected to enforce this policy,” Jeff said, explaining that the district will not attempt campus searches or screenings. He recommended practical steps such as storing phones in lockers or in “ziplock bags” labeled by students and held in the main office to avoid staff handling devices.
Board members and staff discussed enforcement logistics and expected an early heavy workload at the start of the rollout. Jeff said some schools that previously adopted similar rules experienced a “heavy lift at the start” but reported long‑term benefits once routines were established. The administration also plans training for staff and clarifications about staff expectations and student phone access at main offices.
The board was told the district’s existing policy framework grants the necessary authority to teachers and principals to enforce restrictions and that the forthcoming draft will be refined to mirror OSBA model language. The administration said the policy must be in place by October under the timeline they described, and that they would begin implementation at the start of the school year rather than waiting for a later date.