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Anchor Bay board adopts stricter personal electronic device policy for students
Summary
The Anchor Bay School District Board of Education approved a revised policy restricting student use and possession of personal electronic devices during the school day, clearing the way for administrative regulations and a phased enforcement plan.
The Anchor Bay School District Board of Education voted 7–0 on May 28 to adopt a revised personal electronic devices policy that prohibits students from using or visibly carrying phones and similar devices during the school day.
The policy, numbered 2006 in the board packet and approved after discussion and a roll-call vote, requires personal electronic devices to be turned off and stored in lockers or cubbies unless required by law. The superintendent was authorized to develop administrative regulations to implement the policy.
Board members who backed the measure said the change responds to broad concerns about classroom distraction and student wellbeing. Superintendent Phil Jankowski outlined next steps for administrative regulations and confirmed a board committee will continue working with administration on enforcement details.
“Law enforcement does not want students texting or calling with their parents during an active threat,” a board member said in discussion citing meetings the board held with local police commanders; those law-enforcement perspectives were offered to argue that limiting phone use can improve safety response times by reducing confusing communications, the board heard.
Board members also discussed enforcement logistics, saying consistent handling by administrators — not individual classroom teachers — was likely to produce fairer outcomes and reduce classroom disruptions. The board indicated it expects the administrative regulations to cover escalation, parent notification, and whether discipline is handled at the building level or through central office.
The motion to adopt the policy was made, seconded and carried in a roll-call vote at the May 28 meeting. Board members said the district will publicize the policy widely over the summer and convene additional meetings with teachers and administrators to finalize enforcement procedures before school starts in August.
Implementation details to be developed by the superintendent include whether confiscated devices are logged, how repeated violations will be handled, and how exceptions (for example, students with documented medical or legal needs) will be processed.
