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Council told to submit school cell‑phone plans by March 1 as LDOE issues telecommunications policy guidance
Summary
LDOE reminded superintendents that a new telecommunications provision requires districts to submit plans (definitions of instructional day, communications with parents, consequences for violations) by March 1. Superintendents reported generally positive reception but asked for guidance on mental‑health supports for students dependent on phones.
LDOE staff reviewed a newly effective telecommunications policy related to student cell‑phone use and reminded superintendents that their districts are expected to submit implementation plans by March 1.
Presenters said the policy requires districts to define the instructional day (start and end times or teacher instructional periods), describe how the policy applies to school‑sponsored events during instructional time, and explain how parents may communicate with students if phones are restricted. The policy also addresses use of school‑issued devices for personal social use and expected consequences for violations.
Several superintendents reported the prohibition on phone use during instructional time has gone smoothly in their districts and that teachers have reported fewer classroom distractions and better instructional pacing. One superintendent said the policy allowed teachers to “plan more content” because the distractions have decreased.
Council members asked for clarification about whether the March 1 submission requirement appears in statute or in department rulemaking; LDOE staff confirmed the requirement appears in the department’s promulgated policy effective January 2025 and advised districts to follow the March 1 submission timeframe. Several superintendents asked the department to provide resources on supporting students who show problematic phone dependency; the department said it would consult with Louisiana Department of Health and other partners to provide guidance and resources.
Ending Districts were encouraged to submit telecommunications plans by March 1 as required, share best practices that have worked locally, and request mental‑health and family engagement resources from LDOE if needed.
