District readies implementation plan after Nebraska electronic-device bill advances

The North Platte Public Schools committee on April 24 discussed steps to implement new statewide limits on electronic devices in schools after the Legislature advanced LB140, a bill restricting student use of electronic devices during the school day.

Board members heard that the legislation (reported moved to final on April 11) will require districts to adopt policies limiting devices. District administrators said secondary principals are developing a strict check-in/check-out procedure for the 2025–26 school year and that elementary schools are expected to have similar rules, though principals reported cell phones have been less of an issue at the elementary level.

Superintendent Dr. Rhodes said the district will follow state law and work with school attorneys to incorporate statutory requirements into local policy and handbooks. Secondary principals are planning morning check-in and afternoon check-out routines and a uniform discipline ladder tied to grade level. Administrators acknowledged enforcement challenges, especially during passing time when students move between classes. Dr. Rhodes and staff said messaging to parents and consistent building-level enforcement will be essential. Board members asked that medical-device and health-related exceptions be explicitly covered; administrators said those exemptions will be included in the policy language and the student handbook.

District staff also noted that Madison Middle School has run a voluntary check-in practice and will help as a model for other secondary buildings. The board was told the finalized handbook language and recommended policy would be ready for board review in June or July, and that the state law’s effective date would govern final adoption.