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Board briefed on Senate Bill 139 requiring district cell‑phone policy in 2025–26; OSSBA guidance available
Summary
Superintendent told the board that Senate Bill 139, signed by the governor, requires school districts to adopt a "bell‑to‑bell" cell‑phone policy for the 2025–26 year; OSSBA has released a model policy and district staff plan to present an official policy at the July board meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Darrow updated the board on recent state legislation (Senate Bill 139) that requires school districts to adopt a "bell‑to‑bell" cell‑phone policy for the 2025–26 school year.
Dr. Darrow said the law was co‑authored by Representative Chad Caldwell, approved by both legislative chambers and signed by the governor. He told the board section B of the bill requires school districts to adopt a policy for the 2025–26 year and that section B(2) allows districts to opt out in the following year. He said the Oklahoma School Boards Association (OSSBA) has released a model policy the district will use as guidance.
Nut graf: The superintendent characterized implementation as feasible but emphasized the need for district‑wide alignment among administrators and teachers, particularly at the secondary level, where enforcement will require additional emphasis and staff support.
Dr. Darrow said the district will work through its cell‑phone committee and bring an official policy to the July board meeting; the policy will also be embedded into student handbooks. "I do not foresee any problem with implementing this policy at all," he said, while warning that consistent administrative enforcement will be necessary.
Ending: District staff and administrators will draft a policy consistent with OSSBA guidance and present it for board approval at the July meeting; the district will also update student handbooks and provide staff training for consistent implementation.
