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Board reviews first draft of student cell‑phone policy tied to Senate Bill 68
Summary
Staff presented a first reading of a student cell‑phone policy to comply with Senate Bill 68, which would require students to keep electronic personal communication devices powered off and stored out of sight during instructional hours except for permitted uses.
The board received a first reading of a proposed cell‑phone policy meant to comply with Senate Bill 68, which the presenter said contains requirements for districts to adopt policies restricting student use of electronic personal communication devices during school hours.
Steve Book (policy staff) told the board the draft follows the bill’s language and requires students to keep electronic personal communication devices (EPDs) powered off and stored out of sight during the instructional day except for specified permitted uses, such as accommodations in a 504 or IEP, emergencies, or district‑authorized uses.
“As the policy states, it must keep e PCDs powered off and stored out of sight throughout the instructional day, except for permitted uses,” Book said. The board took no action; this was a first reading and staff said implementation details and communication plans for parents, students and staff will be discussed at the district retreat and in future meetings.
Context and next steps: Book and other staff said the legislature had passed the bill but the measure had not been signed at the time of the first reading; staff expect to return with a final policy and practice details, including how schools will communicate and enforce the rule and how supports for teachers and principals will be provided.
Ending: The board did not vote on the policy tonight; members said they want follow‑up on how the policy will be put into practice before ratification.
