Board asks committee to tighten cellphone policy; high school use may be allowed only at lunch

The Grand County School Board on Wednesday reviewed a draft cellphone policy and directed staff and a district committee to return with a concise district policy and implementation plan aimed at making classrooms phone-free while clarifying hall and lunch exceptions.

The board and administrators discussed a state law that restricts student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time. The superintendent summarized the statute's intent: "The law kind of in a nutshell, they're in in the classroom. There are is no technology, you know, personal technology that includes cell phones, personal devices, watches, and things like that. The kids can, be allowed to use them in non instruction time," she said.

Committee members had proposed a red/green-zone approach that allows limited device use in noninstructional areas and times. Board members debated enforcement practicality and teacher workload; some members said a strict, districtwide red policy (phones off during all class time) is clearest, while others supported a limited green zone at lunchtime to keep students on campus and provide a predictable, easy-to-enforce exception.

After discussion the board instructed staff to: - Convert the committee's work into a short, clear district policy that defines terms (class time, transition, lunch, green/red zones) and states that board policy governs enforcement. - Solicit teacher input (survey) and return quickly with recommended procedures and an enforcement plan, including whether IDs or hall monitors are needed. - Draft two policy variants for board consideration (strict red except lunch vs. red/green zoning) and to publish the timeline for implementation.

Why this matters: The state law requires districts to limit device use during instruction; how a district implements the law affects classroom management, staff workload and campus safety. Board members emphasized consistency across campuses and sought teacher buy-in before a final district policy is adopted.

Representative exchanges and enforcement concerns - Superintendent on the statute and its purpose: "The law kind of in a nutshell, they're in in the classroom. There are is no technology, you know, personal technology that includes cell phones, personal devices, watches, and things like that. The kids can, be allowed to use them in non instruction time." (superintendent) - Board members asked staff to prioritize a simple, enforceable approach; suggestions included IDs and having staff/hall supervisors manage transitions rather than expecting teachers to police devices during instruction.

Next steps: The board asked the cellphone committee and principals to circulate a short survey to teachers this week, draft a brief district policy, and return with two policy variants for the board's August meeting. The board emphasized implementation clarity and teacher support before the 2025'26 school year begins.

Ending: The district will publish a short policy proposal and collect teacher feedback; the board will consider the finalized policy at an upcoming meeting after staff and the committee return with recommended language.