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 possibility of state legislation that could mandate limits on classroom phone use.

Public commenters were split. William (Bill) King, who said he has lived in the district for more than 20 years, urged caution: “I urge the BOE to move slowly and with extreme caution,” he said, warning that phones can save lives and also be used maliciously. Shelley Manning said the debate comes down to “classroom management and safety,” and asked whether current policy enforcement is adequate.

Several speakers warned that a strict ban could hinder safety and emergency contact. Chrissy Howell said a ban that prevents students from using phones at lunch, during passing periods or on buses would leave students “0 ability to use their phone during their free time” and could prevent access to apps used to report safety concerns. Tim Cashman, a parent of district students, urged care in implementation and warned of unintended consequences: “I would say that, wrongly implementing a complete ban, watch the Exodus,” he said.

Other parents supported stronger limits. Bridal Pfeiffer said smartphones and social media contribute to rising rates of anxiety and self‑harm, and said she favored a full ban during school hours to help parents set boundaries.

Board discussion centered on finding a middle ground. Board members and staff described a draft that would require phones to be off and put away during class periods (“bell to bell”), allow access when staff direct it during emergencies, and preserve exceptions specifically written in students’ IEPs or health plans. The board emphasized enforcement would include progressive consequences for repeated violations rather than blanket confiscation for a single offense.

Staff also noted alternative reporting channels: the Safe2Tell reporting system can be accessed via student Chromebooks, and every classroom has a phone. Board members said they will ask staff to include targeted questions about passing periods and lunchtime phone access in an upcoming parent survey and to return the policy for further review after community feedback.

The policy was approved for first reading; board members said it is not final and that further edits and community input will be sought before a second reading.

The board noted the district could be affected by pending state legislation that would limit or prohibit phone use in schools; members said a state law could supersede local policy.

Next steps: The district will add summary language and specific questions on lunchtime and passing‑period access to a parent survey scheduled to go out before the end of the week, then bring the policy back for further consideration.