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School board advances district cell-phone policy after months of review; public comment invited
Summary
Trustees read a proposed policy restricting personal electronic device use in school between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.; trustees discussed exceptions, public input and schedule for final reading before the school year.
Sheridan County School District #3 trustees held a first reading of proposed Policy 6155, which would limit personal electronic device use for students and staff during instructional hours and set a shared behavioral standard for personnel.
Board members said the intent is to reduce classroom disruptions and support instructional time. The proposed policy would prohibit student use of personal devices during the school day unless specifically permitted by a teacher for instructional purposes; it would also hold staff to the same threshold to set an example for students.
Trustees and administrators discussed specifics including how the policy would interact with the student handbook, how disciplinary language ("defiance") in the handbook would be used for enforcement, and whether medical or other administrative exceptions should be explicitly called out. The board agreed to accept public comment at the next meeting and asked policy committee and school administration to review the language and bring any suggested changes for a final reading, likely in August if additional time is needed.
Why it matters: The policy affects students, staff and the handbook used daily in classrooms; trustees emphasized aligning policy language with the handbook and requested a public-comment opportunity before a final vote.
Key meeting details: - The policy was presented as a first reading; trustees noted neighboring districts already have similar language. - Trustees discussed an exception pathway for medical needs (for example, students who need to check blood sugar) and directed administrators to clarify exception language. - The board approved moving the policy forward for public comment and future final consideration. A roll-call final vote was not recorded at the first reading but trustees proceeded with the read and scheduled next steps.
Ending: Trustees asked that the policy committee collect staff and parent input and present an updated draft for the final reading; if no substantive public comment is received, the board may vote at its next scheduled meeting.
