Ponca City schools review state bills, including one that would ban student cellphones during school hours

Ponca City Public Schools administrators reported a batch of state bills that could change classroom management, virtual‑learning rules and staffing options, saying some measures will require the district to adopt new policies before next school year.

During the board meeting, district leadership summarized several pieces of legislation still active at the state Capitol. They singled out a measure that would prohibit student use of cellphones from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. except for instructional purposes and limited medical exceptions; the bill would also bar schools from retaining confiscated phones overnight and would require districts to adopt and present an updated policy annually. District staff described that requirement as mandatory for one year and said local policy will need “teeth” to comply.

The superintendent also described a proposal that would sharply restrict use of districtwide virtual instruction days starting the year after next, limiting them to state or national emergencies declared by the governor or president or when the State Board of Education approves a district plan that addresses meal delivery and special‑education services.

Other bills discussed included measures described in the meeting as: “Senate Bill 652,” “Senate Bill 6,” “House Bill 1727” (expanding Oklahoma Promise eligibility for children of teachers after 10 years of service), “House Bill 2288” (removing retire‑and‑rehire restrictions), “Senate Bill 364,” “House Bill 2047” (requiring schools to contact emergency services and parents after epinephrine is administered), and “House Bill 1393” (regarding parental consent for alternate‑standards instruction for students with IEPs). The superintendent said some measures had already been sent to the governor and that results will determine next steps at the district level.

District leaders warned that several of the bills will require administrative changes and community outreach. On the cellphone matter they noted schools cannot withhold phones beyond the end of the school day, and they will need to clarify enforcement and exceptions in a local policy the board will ultimately review. On virtual days, staff said the district will have one more school year to adjust before stricter requirements take effect.

The presentation did not include formal board action on the bills themselves; administrators said they would return with draft policies and recommendations as state legislation progresses.