David Douglas School District administrators briefed the board Wednesday on a governor's executive order that requires school boards to adopt a policy limiting student personal electronic devices during the school day.

The district summarized the state guidance and implementation timeline: a local policy must be posted by Oct. 31 and the statewide rule is expected to be in effect by Jan. 1. The executive order defines the school day as bell to bell (start bell to end bell) and describes a ban on students using personal devices that can access the internet or receive messages; ODE guidance currently excludes laptops used for instruction.

Administrators warned the board the order creates operational choices that carry costs and implementation questions. Options include requiring phones to remain off and stored in backpacks, creating classroom storage (teacher-managed caddies), or purchasing universal pouches (vendors such as Yondr were discussed). The superintendent flagged the absence of dedicated funding and described the mandate as effectively unfunded: “We're navigating all of that,” he said.

Board members raised concerns about students with disabilities and 504/IEP accommodations, including use of headphones or devices that support access to instruction. Director Stephanie (last name on record) asked that classroom educators and support staff be meaningfully involved in policy development. Administrators said the policy will need clear exceptions and an implementation plan that addresses accountability without removing students from instruction.

Other topics discussed included whether the prohibition applies on buses or during field trips (state guidance lists school day bell‑to‑bell, which would include field trips) and whether instructional uses of phones (polls, research, photo capture for learning) would be permitted. ODE office hours indicated the initial guidance takes a strict approach, though officials said FAQs and implementation details remain under development.

Administrators proposed a fall "soft start" and stakeholder engagement so staff, students and families can surface practical issues before full enforcement. The board did not vote; the policy team will draft language, engage stakeholders, and return recommendations for board consideration ahead of the statutory posting deadline.