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Uintah board approves first-reading policy limiting phone use during instructional time
Summary
The Uintah School District board approved on first reading a new electronic-devices policy implementing restrictions required by state law that prohibit phone use during instructional time, while allowing access during non-instructional periods and in emergencies.
The Uintah School District Board on May 14 approved on first reading a new electronic-devices policy that limits student use of cellphones and smartwatch‑type devices during instructional time, following state legislation intended to protect instructional time.
The new rule, drafted by secondary education director Christy Nurdin and discussed at the board’s work session, says students may use phones before school, during passing time, at lunch and after school but “we don't want to see or hear their cell phone, period,” Nurdin said. She described draft procedures for classrooms and a device locker system so teachers do not engage in confrontations over taking phones from students.
Board members and district staff presented the policy as an effort to comply with Senate Bill 178 while avoiding punitive or impractical approaches. Nurdin said the policy includes a written secondary procedure in draft form and a different, more child‑appropriate approach for elementary schools. “We want to support our teachers with really good policy so that we can implement this and we can make sure that that law is upheld,” she said.
The board heard practical concerns during discussion: teachers' safety in power‑struggle situations, parental expectations for contact during emergencies, and how watches that can call or text may complicate enforcement. Nurdin said the law requires that students retain access to phones for emergency use and that the district plans parent‑student‑administrator device management conferences for repeated problems.
District staff said the policy draws on implementation experience from local pilots. “One of the things that helped inform these procedures was Aaron Olson, piloted it at Bridal Middle School this year. He had a big assembly, a big kickoff,” Nurdin said, noting staff would further refine procedures based on principals’ feedback.
The board approved the electronic devices policy on first reading as part of a grouped motion that passed unanimously. The district will bring the policy back for a second reading with any recommended changes and school‑specific procedures for elementary and secondary settings.
