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Board discusses state cellphone law, policy updates and implementation plans for fall
Summary
Board members discussed the recently signed state cellphone law (LB140), reviewed multiple policy drafts and directed administrators to develop implementation steps, communication and handbook language ahead of the fall semester.
Board members reviewed a large set of policy updates and spent substantial time on the district response to recent state legislation limiting student use of electronic devices in school.
Board member Skip Baltic summarized the legislative session and reported that LB140 (the student cellphone statute) was signed by the governor on May 20 and will take effect this fall for Nebraska public schools. Superintendent Todd Rhodes and administrators told the board they had consulted legal counsel and policy partners and recommended a district policy that implements a restricted-use model consistent with the statute.
Dr. Rhodes described operational plans developed with secondary principals: a morning check-in system at the secondary buildings where students will deposit devices into secured lockers or teacher-controlled locked storage and retrieve them at the end of the day; Madison and Adams middle schools plan to store devices in locked Chromebook carts and the high school plans to use numbered locker pouches checked at a designated time. Administrators said exceptions required by law — students with IEPs, 504 plans or health plans that need an electronic device for health or disability reasons — would be handled through individual plans rather than broad policy carve-outs.
The board reviewed other policy changes across finance, purchasing, safety and data-breach response; administrators noted updates are being coordinated with the district’s legal adviser and with KSB policy guidance (a district legal/policy resource referenced by staff). The technology director noted potential technical issues for students using two‑factor authentication for college dual-credit programs; administrators said they are investigating key-fob and other authentication options with Mid Plains Community College.
Board members asked for clarity about which changes require board action versus administrative notification; administrators proposed that minor administrative handbook changes be communicated to the board but that significant handbook amendments return for board approval. Before acting on policy updates, staff said KSB may provide revisions and the board agreed to review final language at the June meeting.
No formal policy adoptions were taken at the May 29 session; board members directed staff to finalize implementation procedures, communications for families and a plan for handling students with individualized education or health needs.
