JPS committee moves to stricter scholar electronic-device policy; phones to be kept in backpacks, fines removed

The Jackson Public School District Policy Review Committee on June 10 reviewed proposed amendments to the Scholar Use of Electronic Devices policy that would broaden the devices covered and substantially tighten where and how scholars may possess and use them.

A staff member presenting the draft said the policy would expand the covered list to “headphones, AirPods, smartwatches, smart glasses” and other modern devices and would make clear that cell phones “should be stored in a scholar's backpack.” The draft would bar scholars from carrying phones on their person (for example, in pockets or socks), prohibit use and visible possession of phones on school buses and across school campus areas (classrooms, restrooms, gym, auditorium) and retain a limited carve-out for documented medical necessities with prior written authorization kept on file at the school.

Under the…