Pitt County Board outlines school-level plans to implement state cellphone restrictions, sets Aug. 25 start

Pitt County Schools officials on Monday presented a first reading of updated policies meant to comply with the General Assembly—s House Bill 959 (session law 2025-38), laying out three school-level options for restricting student wireless devices and setting an implementation start date of Aug. 25, 2025.

District staff said the law requires school systems to adopt a policy banning unauthorized wireless communication devices in schools and that principals must notify the district which option they will use. "No student shall have in sight, have turned on or use any unauthorized personal communication or electronic device on school property during school hours without permission from a school official," Miss English read aloud while describing the district—s current code of conduct.

The board heard three baseline approaches for principals to choose from: (1) bell-to-bell (no visible devices from the start to the end of class), (2) put away/out-of-sight for instructional periods, and (3) a check-in/check-out system in which students surrender devices to teachers for the class period. Principals may adopt additional measures such as lockboxes or magnetic pouches at their discretion.

Board members pressed staff about enforcement and equity. Several members said consistency across schools will be critical. One board member noted schools that previously required devices to be stowed reported significant drops in discipline referrals. Staff acknowledged that not all campuses will choose the same approach and said the district will ask principals to report their chosen method in advance so families know what to expect.

The presentation addressed special cases. Smartwatches may be worn but wireless features that connect to a smartphone must be disabled during school hours, staff said. Exceptions are allowed for medical needs, approved safety plans or administrator-authorized communications in emergency situations. The district also said administrators can limit device use on school buses when safety is a concern, and that bus riders may use devices with headphones and low volume per state law.

Board members asked about costs if principals opt to provide lockboxes or pouches. Staff said schools could use existing state-provided funds or local school funds to pay for equipment; the district—s baseline guidance was deliberately set to an "out of sight/out of mind" option that does not require immediate spending by the district.

No formal vote was taken on the policy at Monday—s meeting; staff asked that the updates return for a second reading at the September board meeting. Administrators said they will require principals to communicate each school's chosen approach to students, families and staff before classes begin.

The discussion took place amid broader public comment about parental rights and curricular materials. Julie Anderson, speaking for the group Moms for Liberty, referenced a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision she identified as "Mahmood v. Taylor" and urged the district to provide advance notice and a formal opt-out process for lessons on gender identity and related topics; she said parents should be offered "meaningful equivalent educational opportunities" when students opt out. Tricia Wuerck offered a public poem urging vigilance for students she described as vulnerable.

District leaders said the cellphone policy changes are intended to align current code of conduct language (last amended in 2016) with the new state mandate and to reduce instructional disruptions. The board will consider a second reading of the updated policy in September and monitor schools after the Aug. 25 start to determine whether additional tools or resources are needed.

The district emphasized that principals must communicate their chosen approach to families before the school year begins to ensure consistent enforcement and clear expectations.

Sources: Presentation and discussion on House Bill 959 policy revisions at the Pitt County Board of Education meeting, Aug. 4, 2025.