Chickasha school board reviews state-mandated personal electronic devices policy tied to Senate Bill 139

The Board of Education of Chickasha Public School District discussed a new student-device policy tied to state law, saying students may not have personal electronic devices at school from the first bell until final dismissal unless the device is issued by the district or the student meets a narrow exception. The board heard that Senate Bill 139 contains “very specific” requirements and that the district must adopt a board policy to comply. The discussion came during the district’s regular meeting, where staff described the new rule as applying “bell to bell”—from the warning bell for tardiness until the last dismissal bell—and explained two exceptions allowed by the law. One exception applies to students with medical needs or disabilities documented in a 504 plan or IEP; the other covers emergency situations, which administrators would determine on a case-by-case basis. Staff said high-school students who leave campus for lunch can use phones while off campus and that each site will post details in handbooks explaining site-level procedures. District staff said the policy is districtwide—covering high school, middle school, Lincoln Quality Academy and Bill Wallace—and that sites will receive a Q&A flyer and other communications for parents and staff. The district will continue some existing device practices during the transition, and staff noted the board policy and handbook language are likely to evolve as implementation issues arise. A board member moved to adopt the policy as presented; the item was discussed and seconded at the meeting. Board and staff repeatedly emphasized the difference between student access and staff expectations, saying the state law does not prohibit staff from having devices but raised questions about classroom implications if students retain phones for instructional uses. Staff recommended district leadership work with site administrators and, where appropriate, bargaining/contract representatives to set expectations for employees. District staff said the policy will be posted on the district website and promoted at back-to-school events; principals and site leaders will coordinate communications and parent outreach.