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District presents draft cell-phone policy; principals favor bell-to-bell restrictions, smartwatch exceptions
Summary
Staff circulated a draft cell-phone policy that would restrict devices during instructional time 'bell to bell,' accommodate health and safety exceptions and treat smartwatches differently; district staff recommended a 30-day review and noted principals generally support a district-wide, uniform approach.
District staff presented a draft cell-phone policy at the March 31 working session and asked board members to review the draft during a 30-day comment period before the policy returns for action. The draft reflects state law that sought to keep phones and personal devices out of classroom instructional time.
Staff said the draft allows local differentiation between elementary and secondary settings and includes legal exceptions for health or safety emergencies, students' individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plans, and medical necessity. Elementary principals told staff their main concern is smartwatches and the secondary chain of events when siblings communicate; staff proposed requiring smartwatches to remain in silent mode and leaving enforcement to principals unless devices become disruptive.
Several board members and school administrators discussed how a district-wide policy would support principals' enforcement and cited examples from schools that have already implemented strict, bell-to-bell device rules. Presenters said early implementers, including Snow Canyon and some middle schools, reported fewer lunchtime incidents and increased student engagement.
Staff said an updated draft would be posted for a 30-day review before the board's April meeting and invited board feedback during that period. Staff also noted procedures for handling violations and communicating expectations to parents would be included in the final policy package.
