Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Policy committee previews state-backed cell-phone restriction and other policy updates for first reading
Summary
Board committee summarized multiple policy revisions for first reading, including a state-aligned ban on personal communication devices during the school day and updates to nondiscrimination, digital content and homeschool participation policies.
At the board meeting, the policy committee summarized several policy updates scheduled for first reading, including a notable revision to the district’s personal communication device rules to align with state requirements.
Committee member Missus Hamilton, summarizing the Sept. 17 policy meeting, said the district is revising Policy 5136 (personal communication devices) to prohibit possession of personal devices in schools during the school day, with exceptions for medically necessary devices and those supported by a physician’s note.
“This policy has been revised ... to prohibit possession of personal communication devices in the schools during the school day. And, as I said, recommended by state law,” Missus Hamilton said, adding the change follows recommendations from NEOLA and state guidance embedded in the state budget.
Hamilton reviewed several other policies slated for first reading, including revisions to 2266 (nondiscrimination in educational programs and activities), 2230 (home school participation in activities), 2431 (activities GPA and participation requirements), 5223 (release time for religious instruction), 6152 (student fees), 7540 (digital content and accessibility) and 8400 (school safety and emergency management). The committee noted most changes were technical updates or alignments with state guidance; the personal devices policy was described as the most substantive immediate change.
Hamilton said the cell-phone restriction reflects state budget language signed by Governor Mike DeWine and the state’s timeline for schools to adopt compliant policies by July 2025. The board held the items for the first reading; further debate and votes are expected in subsequent meetings.
The committee report also noted the district will name business manager and director of pupil services as Title IX coordinators in Policy 2266 and clarified participation rules for homeschooled students in sports under Policy 2230.
