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Wake County policy committee advances draft cellphone rules; sends key details to teachers for feedback
Summary
The Wake County Schools policy committee reviewed a comprehensive draft limiting student use of personal wireless communication devices, added definitions for accessories and storage, and asked staff to get classroom-level feedback before the board's first reading in May.
The Wake County Schools Policy Committee reviewed a full draft of a wireless communication-device policy that would limit when students may use personal cellphones, smartwatches and other accessories during the school day and authorize staff to temporarily confiscate devices in specified circumstances.
Committee chair Edmonds led the discussion and staff said the goal is to adopt the policy for the 2025'26 school year. Assistant Superintendent of Academics Drew Cook and Senior Director Allison Reed walked committee members through revisions that include a narrowed opening paragraph, an explicit statement that district-issued devices are excluded and new language on device accessories such as Bluetooth headphones and smartwatches.
The draft defines “put away” to mean a device is out of sight and not easily accessible, with examples such as stored in a locker, backpack, bag or pocket. The draft also says smartwatches may be worn as watches but must have features that require wireless connection disabled when device use…
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