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Olentangy presents first reading of state-mandated personal-communication-device policy; parents, staff told of limited exceptions
Summary
The board received a first reading of a replacement personal-communication-device (PCD) policy to comply with state law; the policy prohibits student calling/texting during the instructional day except for teacher-authorized instruction, IEP/504 accommodations, documented medical necessity or active emergencies.
At the Aug. 5 meeting the Olentangy Local School District’s policy committee presented a first reading of a replacement personal-communication-device policy required by the Ohio budget bill (House Bill 96) that restricts student phone use during the instructional day.
Dr. Feddy, who presented the policy language, told the board the draft narrows allowable use to specific categories permitted under the state law. Under the proposed policy, “students may not use their phones, watches, or other devices for calling or texting during the day unless one of the following” applies: a teacher or administrator authorizes the device for instructional purposes; the student’s IEP or Section 504 plan permits it; the student has documentation of medical necessity from a medical provider; or an active emergency is underway. The policy places enforcement in the student code of conduct and calls for progressive discipline beginning with verbal reminders.
The presentation described how the district will use existing communications tools to limit disruption: every school office and classroom phone remains a primary point of contact and the district will continue to use ParentSquare for urgent messages such as bus delays or canceled after-school activities. Dr. Feddy said the district will begin with reminders and warnings at the start of the year before moving to disciplinary steps.
Board members asked about uniformity across schools, use during athletic or other extracurricular events, and accommodation procedures. The committee discussion noted buses and after-school events as exceptions where supervisors can set rules (drivers may allow phones unless they create a safety hazard). The policy also calls out that devices with two-way communication capabilities (for example certain smart watches) are included in the prohibition unless one of the permitted exceptions applies.
The board treated the item as a first reading and Dr. Feddy said the administration will return for a second reading and adoption at the next regular meeting. In the meantime, staff will communicate the new rule set at convocation and to parents before the first day of school so the district begins the year with consistent expectations.
