Canfield board approves first reading of districtwide personal device policy required by state law

The Canfield Local School District Board of Education on April 9 approved the first reading of a new personal communication device policy required by Ohio’s House Bill 250, the superintendent said.

The policy, which the administration said will be implemented beginning with the 2025–26 school year, requires students to keep cell phones and other personal communication devices “off and away” during school hours. The superintendent described the policy as districtwide, noting that the middle school has followed a similar approach for three years under Principal Jeb Rubin and that the district’s plan extends that practice across all schools.

The superintendent told the board that the policy will include specific exceptions: students may use devices to monitor or address health concerns (for example, diabetes monitoring), and devices may be used on the school bus or when students are off school property during arrival and dismissal. The administration also said that the policy-writing process included a policy committee and multiple staff discussions.

“We're here for teaching and learning. That's number one priority for us,” the superintendent said while describing the rationale for limiting device use. He added that the governor and state lawmakers required districts to adopt policies but did not prescribe a single approach; local districts retain discretion about policy details.

Board members voted to approve the policy’s first reading. Under board procedure, the first reading begins the formal process; final adoption typically occurs at a subsequent meeting after a second reading or additional review.

The district will present the second reading and seek final approval at a later meeting; the superintendent said the policy is intended to reduce classroom distractions and improve safety and attentiveness during potential crises.