Tuscaloosa board advances wireless-device policy and approves Yondr pouch purchase to comply with pending state law

The Tuscaloosa City Schools board on May 6 received a detailed briefing on a district wireless-device plan tied to House Bill 166 — the Focus Act — and approved purchasing Yondr storage pouches for secondary students to help implement the law when it takes effect.

The plan and a package of code-of-conduct revisions were presented by Dr. Pope, superintendent, who said the Focus Act (House Bill 166) would “prohibit student wireless devices use during instructional time,” require updated internet-safety policy language and annual staff surveys, and take effect in the 2025–26 school year pending final legislative action. The board held first readings of the draft code changes and related resource materials.

Why it matters: The Focus Act would restrict cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops and other devices that can transmit or receive data during the instructional day. District leaders said the change affects logistics, instruction, discipline procedures and parent communication, and requires consistent implementation across all schools.

Board discussion and implementation details Dr. Wilson, speaking for the district communications team, said the office has prepared a communications schedule that begins before school starts…