Elizabeth School District holds first reading on stricter student cell‑phone rules after hours of public comment

ELIZABETH, Colo. — The Elizabeth School District Board of Education on Monday held a first reading of a replacement policy, JICJ, to regulate student use of cell phones and other personal technology devices after more than an hour of public comment that showed sharp division in the community.

The proposed policy would generally require students to keep phones powered off and stored during instructional time, with exceptions for emergencies and individualized education plans. The board voted to accept the policy for first reading and to gather further parent feedback before a final decision.

Why it matters: Board members said the policy aims to reduce classroom distractions and curb a steady stream of misconduct the district has seen on social media and messaging platforms, while also preserving students’ ability to contact parents in emergencies. Members also noted the…