Board adopts districtwide "off and away" phone policy after extended debate and student testimony

The Portland Public Schools Board of Education voted 5–2 on Jan. 7 to adopt a districtwide policy that will require students to keep personal electronic devices "off and away" during instructional time. The decision followed months of committee work, a district student survey with more than 2,100 responses and hours of public comment during the meeting.

Supporters — including several board members and district staff — said the policy reduces classroom distractions and supports teaching and learning. Board members who voted in favor cited data presented from other districts showing declines in disruptive conduct and improved student interaction after similar policies were implemented.

Opponents — including the student representative and many high‑school students who testified — argued that phones are important safety tools for students who leave campus at lunch and that enforcement would be uneven across schools. Students and parents also raised concerns about costs for phone‑secure equipment (some pilot schools have used Yondr pouches) and the equity implications for lower-income schools.

Implementation

The board adopted the policy but left detailed operational decisions and exceptions to district administrative directives. Staff were instructed to draft an implementation plan that addresses: reasonable exceptions (medical/IEP needs), off‑campus access for students who leave for lunch, procurement options and cost estimates for chosen equipment or systems, and training for staff and families.

Public comment

More than a dozen students and parents spoke during public comment. Student speakers described classroom uses of phones for some activities and urged teacher discretion; other students and parents supported a full-day approach to reduce in-class distractions. One student cited North Clackamas data presented to the district showing reductions in fighting and disruptive conduct and increases in social interactions; a counter‑point stressed phone access at lunch for safety and family contact.

Vote and next steps

Resolution 7029 was adopted by a 5–2 vote with two directors opposed and the student representative recording a no (advisory). The board asked staff to return with an administrative directive, rollout plan and cost estimates; staff will also propose training and school‑by‑school implementation supports.

Ending

Board members acknowledged the policy is a significant behavioral and operational shift and said they will monitor outcomes and be prepared to adjust if the policy’s effects are negative or if implementation problems arise.