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State 'cell phone' law forces accelerated timeline for Shenendehowa policy
Summary
Board members said a recently passed state law requiring restrictions on internet-enabled devices in schools imposes a compressed schedule; the district plans stakeholder feedback, a public reading and adoption by Aug. 1.
Board members discussed a recently passed state law that requires school districts to adopt restrictions on internet-enabled devices — widely described in the meeting as a cell-phone ban — and outlined an accelerated local timeline to comply.
During the policy discussion, board members and district staff said the law was passed late in the state budget process and carries a fast deadline. The district plans to gather stakeholder feedback, run focused student and staff sessions, post draft policy materials, bring the draft to the board for a reading at the next meeting, and aim for board adoption by Aug. 1 so the district can implement the rule for the new school year. District staff said the policy will be posted and that the law includes requirements for recording incidents that may be violations.
Board members emphasized outreach to parents and broader stakeholders. Staff said the district will send an initial survey to parents via the SIS messaging system (about 13,000 accounts were cited as potential recipients) and pursue additional focus groups with students and staff. Board members asked for multiple avenues for public input so community members who do not receive the SIS message can still participate.
District leaders cautioned that the timing compresses the normal 30-day policy review cycle used for other policies, so district staff may return to adjust related language (for example, the student code of conduct) after the cell-phone policy is finalized and posted.
No new policy text was adopted at the meeting; staff said the draft will be brought back to the board for reading and potential adoption to meet the state deadline.
