Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Discipline Cellphone Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Governors executive order prompts district to draft updated cell-phone policy; board committee to review
Summary
Following a gubernatorial executive order directing schools to adopt a stricter phones policy, the board directed policy staff to prepare a tailored draft for committee review and public communication; district said its current "off and away" practice aligns closely but that exceptions (medical/emergency) must be written in.
Board members discussed a governors executive order that directs school districts to implement stricter cell-phone limits by Jan. 1, 2026 and to adopt a policy by Oct. 31. Superintendent Jared said the district already enforces an "off and away" practice in classrooms but that the executive order is more prescriptive and could require additional work.
Members raised concerns about children who rely on phones for medical monitoring (for example, diabetes) and about parents who use phones for safety checks when children travel alone. Director Keith Kubik noted that the legislature had not passed the law and that the executive order could lead to ODE administrative rules that go beyond legislative intent.
Board members agreed the policy committee should draft language tailored to local needs and legal constraints, and emphasized clear communication before any midyear change. Staff said they would prioritize a policy draft and suggested coordinating with OSBA model language while preserving necessary local exceptions for medical and safety reasons.
No formal vote was taken; staff will present a draft policy to the policy committee and return it to the board for adoption before the October deadline if needed.
