Superintendent outlines plan to implement governor's student cell‑phone executive order

Dr. Anthony Mann, the district superintendent, told the Walla River School District Board of Education on July 10 that the district will prepare policy and a communications plan to implement the governor's recent executive order limiting students' access to cell phones during the instructional day. "I believe it's a good move for schools to not have students access cell phones during the instructional day," Mann said.

The superintendent said the executive order directs districts to have a policy in place by October and an operational implementation no later than January, but the district intends to move faster where possible. "We're gonna be working together as an administrative team to prepare communications for parents," Mann said, adding the district will seek to avoid midyear rule changes that would confuse staff and students.

Mann described the district's intended approach: policy set by October, operational procedures developed and communicated in the summer and early fall, and accommodations for prescriptive health and safety circumstances. He specifically named diabetic students as an example of a case that would require an accommodation and said the district will work with families to ensure phones are used only for the medical purpose if needed. The superintendent also noted districts that have experienced crisis events typically allow limited student phone use so parents can receive updates during an incident.

Board members asked about logistics and equity. Directors raised concerns about implementation details such as sealed bags or locked storage for phones, how instructional activities that rely on phones would be handled, staff expectations, and how to manage exceptions during emergencies. Mann said those operational questions will be worked out and that he expects the board will see a fuller report in October. "Policy needs to be October, the operational implementation of policy by January," he said.

Mann said the district will treat staff and students consistently during instructional time, while recognizing limited exceptions. He acknowledged the change will be challenging for families and staff and pledged repeated outreach and clear procedures before the start of the school year. The board did not take formal action during the meeting; district staff were directed to draft policy language, communication materials for parents, and an implementation plan for the board to review.

The board scheduled follow-up reporting and discussion; Mann said the administration will bring a draft policy and recommended operational procedures to the October meeting and will communicate with families over the summer and early fall.