Board adopts personal‑electronic‑device policy; elementary and middle rules defined, high‑school guidance protects instructional time

The Shawnee Mission Board of Education approved a new policy restricting possession and use of personal electronic devices during the school day and updated student handbooks to reflect the change. The policy (JCDC) passed 6–1 after extended discussion; the board approved revised elementary, middle and high school handbooks unanimously.

Policy specifics and votes: The Board adopted policy JCDC, titled “Restrictions on possession and use of personal electronic devices,” by a 6–1 vote. Board member David Westbrook announced he would abstain from the final vote and said he remained unconvinced the policy was the right approach: “I can’t be enthusiastic about this proposal,” Westbrook said. The revised student handbooks that reflect the policy were approved 7–0.

What the policy requires: Superintendent Dr. Schumacher summarized age‑specific rules recommended by an action team and endorsed by the administration. For elementary schools the policy requires personal electronic devices to be stored in backpacks during the school day. For middle schools devices must be stored in lockers or a designated area during the school day but may be accessed during passing periods at the locker; principals said most middle schools already practice a similar approach. For high schools the policy protects instructional time by prohibiting personal electronic device use during scheduled class periods unless a teacher specifically authorizes use for learning purposes.

Discipline and handbooks: The administration revised the district discipline matrix and added a dedicated entry addressing personal electronic device noncompliance; administrative responses for initial offenses include administrative conference and temporary confiscation, with more severe repeated‑offense steps available up to in‑school suspension (consistent with the district’s current discipline framework). The handbook edits and discipline‑matrix changes were added to student handbooks and approved by the board.

Implementation and support: The district communications team will execute a multi‑channel rollout; the administration requested three weeks of preparation time for principals and staff and set a full implementation date of Feb. 3. Principals described training plans and building‑level procedures: Stephanie Witt, principal at Brook Ridge Elementary, said the elementary approach is consistent with current practice and supports instruction and digital‑citizenship teaching; Matt Engler, a middle school principal, said middle schools are already close to the proposed practice and prepared to implement midyear; Jason Pierres, a high school principal, said high schools would need clear implementation guidance and an allowance for instructional uses of phones when appropriate.

Exemptions and individual needs: Administrators said exceptions can be made through existing accommodation processes (for example the district’s 504 process) for health or documented needs, and teachers may request limited instructional uses. The presentation also said building offices will remain a place for students to request help in emergency situations.

Votes at a glance: JCDC (policy) — Approved 6–1 (Mr. Westbrook abstained); Revised student handbooks — Approved 7–0; Resolution to set board officers election date (June 23, 2025) — Approved 7–0 (statutory requirement); Resolution to set the board’s regular meeting dates for 2025–26 — Approved 7–0; Motion to enter executive session for litigation — Approved 7–0.

Closing and follow up: The superintendent said the district will gather feedback from principals, staff and students during rollout and report back at the end of the school year on implementation and any recommended adjustments to the policy or discipline responses.