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Excelsior Springs board approves handbook updates to implement Senate Bill 68; district to 'put the cell phones away and focus on learning'
Summary
The Excelsior Springs School District board voted unanimously to approve handbook updates that implement state Senate Bill 68 restrictions on student personal electronic devices. District leaders said the change will be a learning curve for families and staff and that staff will provide added supervision during the transition.
The Excelsior Springs School District Board of Education voted 6-0 to approve updates to school handbooks that implement Senate Bill 68’s restrictions on student personal electronic communication devices.
Superintendent and administrators told the board the state law requires the district to limit students’ use of cell phones and similar devices on campus. "Our take on it is gonna be, to put the cell phones away and focus on learning," Doctor Hartman said during the discussion, noting staff will communicate details to families and provide extra supervision during passing periods and lunch as the change takes effect.
Board members and administrators said the policy largely formalizes rules already in place at the district’s middle schools and that the major change will be at the high school level. Doctor Hartman and other administrators said they worked with neighboring districts to align implementation and that the district will use signs and staff coaching to support teachers and students as the law takes effect. Parents should contact school offices for time‑sensitive messages during the school day, officials said.
Mister Gilkey told the board the handbook updates included the compliance officer designation, the student cell phone policy aligned with the new state law, and an update to senior parking rules in the high school handbook. The board voted to adopt the handbook changes as presented; the motion was made by Darren and seconded by Jill and passed 6-0.
Administrators said communications to families will continue before school starts so parents understand how to reach students in emergencies and how the discipline process will operate under the updated handbook language. Board members noted there will be a transition period and that both school staff and families will likely adjust practices during the first weeks of school.
Votes at the meeting also approved other personnel and program actions (see separate Votes at a glance article).
