Board gets first reading of new personal communication-device policy that would ban student device use "bell to bell"

Superintendent Pomeroy presented a first reading of an update to the district’s personal communication-device policy on Aug. 4, 2025, describing changes made to comply with recently enacted state legislation that limits students’ use of personal communication devices during the instructional day.

Pomeroy told the board the state changes “prohibit the use of personal devices from bell to bell,” meaning students should not use personal communication devices during the entire instructional day except for documented medical reasons or IEP-related accommodations. The update will formalize a practice already in place at the elementary level and extend the requirement to Hayes and Dempsey, where students previously had access during lunch or between classes.

The item was presented as a first reading only; the board did not take final action at the Aug. 4 meeting. Pomeroy said the administration would return with a final policy for adoption in a subsequent meeting.

Ending: The board received the first reading; administrators said they will return with a final policy for consideration at a future meeting.