State law bars student device use 'bell to bell'; district plans procedures, communications

At the July 29 board workshop, the district’s legislative update highlighted Senate Bill 68’s classroom-safety and school-security provisions and explained likely local effects beginning in the 2026–27 school year. The most consequential operational change is a statewide requirement that students not use personal electronic communication devices during the school day (a “bell-to-bell” ban), subject to defined exceptions for instructional purposes and bona fide emergencies.

Tara (district legislative lead) told the board the law’s intent is to create a safer, less-distracted learning environment; the district has already limited cell-phone classroom use for several years. The practical impact will focus on hallway and lunch supervision, particularly “power lunch” at the high school. The district…