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Board hears state cell-phone policy update; change could bar phones in elementary and middle schools
Summary
A board member reported a state bill passed by the legislature and awaiting the governor's signature that would ban cell-phone use for elementary and middle school students and create a high-school pilot; the board flagged the item as one to monitor for policy implications.
During board comments on May 8, Dr. Campbell warned colleagues that a recently approved bill in the state legislature — pending the governor’s signature — would restrict student cell-phone use in public schools and could require local policy changes.
Why it matters: If signed, the law would affect daily operations and discipline policies across Marion County elementary and middle schools and could require district implementation plans and communications to families.
Dr. Campbell summarized the bill’s prospective effect: “if in fact the governor does sign it, what it will mean is every student in every public school, will not be able to use a cell phone elementary and middle school.” She added the Legislature had approved the measure in both chambers and the district had previously piloted a cell-phone policy at Osceola, where she said data suggested improvement; the board will watch for the governor’s action and await official language before altering district policy.
Board members did not take action; they noted the district already runs local pilots and said staff should be prepared to adapt policies if the bill becomes law.
What’s next: District staff will monitor the bill’s final status and prepare implementation guidance if the governor signs it, including clarifying scope for elementary, middle and the proposed high-school pilot.
