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District 49 begins formal discussion of student cell‑phone policy; board signals preference to adopt before school year
Summary
The board discussed proposed policy JICJ on student use of personal electronic devices. Dr. Nancy Lamont presented the first draft; members debated enforcement, grade-level carve‑outs, safety exceptions and implementation timing. The board agreed to move the draft forward for action in July with the option to refine it later.
The El Paso County Colorado School District 49 Board of Education spent extensive time June 25 discussing proposed policy JICJ, which would move the district’s existing cell‑phone protocol into formal policy.
Deputy Superintendent Nancy Lamont presented the draft, saying, "This is the first draft, of the policy JICJ...we have been operating under guidelines for the last year based upon what we're anticipating from Colorado legislature and also based upon feedback from principals, student board of representatives, zone superintendents." The draft distinguishes K–8 from 9–12: under the policy as presented, students in pre‑K through grade 8 would not be permitted to use personal electronic devices on school premises during the designated school day; students in grades 9–12 could use devices outside instructional time or where a teacher has authorized educational use.
Board members raised enforcement and equity concerns. Director Schmidt argued the district should take a firmer stance to reduce distractions: "Personal electronic devices are a major distraction for our educators. The policy should be a firm stance on keeping our students learning environments free of these distractions." Other directors emphasized safety exceptions (for medical devices and emergencies) and the need to avoid turning teachers into enforcement officers.
Administrators and several directors highlighted that the district piloted the protocol for the past year and that parents, principals and the student board of representatives provided input. Director Heil and others said K–8 effectively has an operational ban already, while 9–12 rules preserve limited discretion for principals and teachers. Staff and directors also noted two documents would need updates if the policy is adopted: the code of conduct (JICDA) and the disciplinary matrix, which would provide enforcement guidance and recommended consequence ranges.
Legal counsel Brad Miller said the "communication devices and schools" bill requires a policy by July 1, 2026, reinforcing the need for a formal district policy within a year. Board members discussed timing and enforcement training: some directors urged adopting policy before the new school year so expectations can be clear from day one; others said board members should be given additional time to work with administration on wording and consequences.
Outcome and next steps: The board indicated consensus to move the policy forward for action at the July regular meeting so it can be in place for the start of the school year, with the understanding that two board members would work with administration to suggest refinements before the vote. Staff noted enforcement guidance will be incorporated into JICDA and an updated disciplinary matrix if the board adopts JICJ.
Why it matters: The policy would formalize district expectations, shift enforcement guidance out of a pilot protocol and set districtwide rules for student device use, with implications for classroom instruction, campus safety and school discipline.
Ending: The board will consider a revised draft at the July meeting, with administrators prepared to update related conduct documents and to provide training for building administrators and staff.
