The Lake Pend Oreille School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday adopted Policy 3265, titled “Student-Owned Electronic Communications Devices,” after a brief debate and a board amendment requiring devices to be stored and silenced during times when use is prohibited.

Why it matters: District leaders said the change is part of a wider student-safety and well-being effort and that adoption qualifies the district to receive a $5,000 grant from the governor’s office to support implementation.

Superintendent Craig Meyer told the board he supports removing phones from the school day. "My professional opinion is that we should ... turn off cell phones for the entire school day," Meyer said during the discussion, arguing the measure would reduce distraction and help student well‑being. Meyer and the administration framed the policy as a first step, coupled with a parent information night the district will hold on March 18 on social media and adolescent mental health.

The policy, as adopted, prohibits student use of personal electronic devices during class time at all grade levels. The board clarified that devices also will be restricted in bathrooms, lockers and changing areas during school hours, and that high school students may be allowed to carry devices during passing periods or lunch only as part of an administrator-approved incentive program. At trustees' request, the motion was amended to add a requirement that when device use is not permitted the devices must be stored and silenced.

Board members debated enforcement details and parents’ ability to reach students in emergencies; trustees emphasized that the school office remains a contact point for urgent communications. The board approved the revised policy by voice vote following a motion and a subsequent amendment to insert the storage-and‑silenced language.

The board and superintendent said the policy will be paired with a parent-student outreach program and implementation guidance for teachers and administrators.

ACTIONS/FORMAL MOTION: The board adopted Policy 3265 (Student-Owned Electronic Communications Devices) on second reading, as amended to require devices to be stored and silenced when use is prohibited. Outcome: approved.

Ending: The board’s vote completes the policy’s second reading and sets the district to receive the governor’s implementation grant; staff said they will bring implementation details to the board and present outreach plans ahead of the March parent event.