Board adopts stricter student device rules; debate over ‘bell‑to‑bell’ ban and indemnification fails

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District board adopted revised Policy 51.38 (Cell Phone and Other Personal Electronic Devices) on May 20, limiting student access to devices during instructional time while allowing building administrators discretion to set more restrictive rules.

Why it matters: The new policy aims to reduce classroom distractions and address concerns about student focus, bullying and mental health tied to device use. The policy will shape school‑level rules for the coming school year and is expected to be paired with administrative regulations and communication to parents and staff.

Policy details and votes: The policy sets grade‑level guidelines for access and use; administration added language following first reading to spell out access by grade level and to allow building principals to implement more restrictive rules. After public testimony and board discussion, the board voted to adopt the policy. Several amendment proposals failed: an amendment to make device use off‑limits “bell to bell” for all students during the school day failed, as did a motion to add an indemnification clause that would have stated the district indemnifies employees for acts taken to enforce the policy.

Public testimony and enforcement concerns: During public comments, Denette Peterson warned that searching electronic devices can carry legal risks and urged the board to add language protecting staff who implement searches. Student representative Liam Wade told the board regional student council had discussed the policy and supported it despite differing opinions among students. Board members discussed a district grant that could supply device pouches for high school students to store phones during the day; Superintendent Meinert said a current grant could cover pouches for about a year and a half for high school students, but continuation would require additional funds.

Failed amendments: Board member Carolyn Hubbard proposed combining the policy’s grade‑level lines so all students would be barred from device use during the school day (eliminating the high‑school‑lunch exception); that motion failed. A separate amendment to add an indemnification clause (language to protect employees enforcing the policy) was also defeated after administration said the change would be overly broad and unions/HR issues made it problematic.

Next steps: Administration will finalize implementing administrative regulations and communications, coordinate trainings for staff, and, where desired, explore using the device pouches funded by the existing grant. The policy is intended to be in force for the 2025–26 school year.