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Board continues study of student cell-phone policy; pilots and wearables flagged as next steps
Summary
Superintendent Law briefed the board on Policy 526 (student use of cellular phones). The district will keep the existing policy language, continue high‑school pilot pouch trials and develop clearer procedures addressing wearables and consistent enforcement; no policy vote was taken tonight.
The Minnetonka School Board discussed Policy 526, governing student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices, during its June 26 meeting but did not change the policy.
Superintendent Law reminded members that the policy language currently directs that “cell phones and other personal electronic devices shall remain silent and kept out of sight during instructional time unless specifically allowed by teachers or other school staff.” He said the district surveyed students, parents and staff earlier in the year: strong support was reported for the elementary policy, mixed responses at middle school and a split at high school (about 75% of students supported current high school practice; parents and staff showed narrower margins).
Why it matters: the board and staff said device presence in classrooms affects instruction, privacy and student wellbeing. Board members raised concerns about emerging wearables such as smartwatches, inconsistent enforcement across teachers and buildings, and recording/privacy incidents that have occurred outside classroom instruction.
Board discussion focused on piloting enforcement options at the high school, clarifying communications to families and developing procedures for wearables. Superintendent Law said a high‑school pouch pilot (where students place devices in pouches before class) will be monitored; he also noted a pouch pilot is not expected to solve privacy issues that arise in passing periods and other non‑classroom times. Board members urged clearer, consistent guidance across levels and continued study rather than immediate policy changes.
No vote was taken. Law said staff will continue the high school pilot, analyze results, and work on communications and procedures about wearables; the board will revisit the issue as needed.
