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Board approves district cell‑phone policy to take effect with July 1 state requirement
Summary
Board adopted a personal wireless devices policy requiring phones and similar devices be kept away 'bell to bell,' including smartwatches and smart glasses; policy follows state guidance and local counsel recommendations.
The Enid Public Schools Board of Education approved a district personal wireless devices and electronic accounts policy during the June 23 meeting, adopting restrictions that require students to keep phones and similar devices away from class “bell to bell.”
Superintendent and administrators told the board the district must adopt a policy by July 1 under a state requirement referenced in the discussion; the administration said the policy also includes guidance for employees and was reviewed by the district’s legal counsel (identified in the meeting as RFR). The superintendent said the board’s version draws on sample language from the Oklahoma State School Boards Association and legal guidance from the district’s counsel.
Board discussion noted that the policy covers not only cell phones but also smartwatches, smart glasses (including Google Glass) and earbuds. Board members emphasized enforcement will be a practical matter, and administrators said the policy is expected to be more relevant at secondary than elementary grade levels.
The motion to approve the personal wireless devices and electronic accounts policy passed with the following recorded votes: Matt Lohman, Randy Long, Kim Tinius, Troy Turnbull, Matt Sampson and Chad Mance all voted “yes.” The meeting record did not specify a named mover in the transcript excerpt; a second was recorded.
Administrators said the policy will be a point of emphasis for the 2025–26 school year and staff would provide messaging to families and employees before implementation.
