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Russell County board approves second reading of student cell-phone policy tied to new state law
Summary
The Russell County Public Schools Board approved a second reading of revised student cell-phone and smart-device possession and use policies after staff said a new state law taking effect Jan. 1, 2025 requires phones to be off and stored away during the school day.
The Russell County Public Schools Board approved a second reading of revised student cell-phone and smart-device possession and use policies after staff said a new state law taking effect Jan. 1, 2025 requires phones to be off and stored away during the school day.
Dr. Hooper, the district staff member who presented the changes, told the board that the law signed by Governor Youngkin “requires the students to keep their phones off and stored away from the moment the first bell rings until the final bell of the school day, including lunch and hallways.”
The revised district policy, as described by Dr. Hooper, sets different rules by grade level. For elementary students, phones may be brought to school only if needed and must be turned off and kept out of sight in bags throughout the day. Middle school students’ devices must remain turned off and out of reach during school hours. High school students may use devices before school and after dismissal but not during instructional time, lunch or hallway transitions. Dr. Hooper added that parents who need to contact a student during instructional time should contact the school office for assistance.
Board member Mr. Ball moved to approve the second reading of the policies; a board member seconded the motion and the board voted in favor. There were no recorded oppositions during the roll call after the motion.
The board did not provide additional implementation dates or disciplinary procedures in the presentation; Dr. Hooper limited the discussion to the policy text changes and the effect of the stated state law. The policy approval was handled as a second reading vote at the meeting, which means the board approved the revisions presented that evening.
The board packet and subsequent administrative guidance will determine operational details such as enforcement steps, parent notifications and any exceptions for medical or other documented needs.
Members of the public present were not recorded as asking questions during the policy presentation; no formal amendments to the policy were offered during the vote.
The district expects to post finalized policy language and any parent-facing guidance after the board’s approval process is complete.
