Board takes first steps on cell-phone rules and waives first reading on restorative practices mandate

The Stratford Board of Education held a first reading of a proposed electronic-devices (cell-phone) policy and unanimously approved waiving the first reading on a state-mandated school climate policy that requires restorative-practice planning.

On cell phones, administrators said the incoming state law requires districts to adopt a policy for the 2026–27 school year. The draft policy discussed at the meeting adds a requirement that, at the high school level, a student’s phone be powered down before entering a classroom. The policy committee framed the proposal as a middle ground between a total ban and a permissive model; the district will align the policy language with its student code of conduct and begin outreach to families and staff over the summer.

On the school climate policy, staff asked the board to waive the normal first reading because the state has mandated restorative practices and requires districts to file implementation plans. The board agreed and passed the waiver so building teams can begin drafting plans to submit to the Connecticut Department of Education. District staff emphasized that restorative practice will be used alongside traditional discipline, not as a substitute for consequence, and that Stratford has existing restorative trainers and internal capacity to deliver required training.

Board members noted enforcement and consistency will be critical for the cell-phone policy to be effective and said the district will provide additional training and family messaging if the policy advances to final adoption.