Hyde Park CSD details five-step cellphone enforcement, cites state law and limited funding

Superintendent Roman and Assistant Superintendent Melissa Lawson led an information session for the HYDE PARK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT outlining how the district will implement a new state law allowing so-called distraction-free learning zones and a district policy that the board approved before the start of school.

District leaders said the policy is meant to promote safety and social-emotional well-being by reducing device-related classroom distractions. "This is not something that's optional. There's a law. It's in place," Roman said, explaining the legal requirement and the district's approach to implementing the policy.

The district described a staged enforcement model for student personal devices. Under the sequence described: the first instance is a reminder and a request to put the device away (lockers or classroom cubbies where available); the second instance results in the student being sent to the office and the device stored until the end of the day with guardian notification; the third instance repeats office storage and adds parental notification upon return; the fourth instance requires a parent to pick up the device at the end of the day; and a fifth instance prompts a team meeting with family…