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Board discusses proposed state 'bell‑to‑bell' cell phone bill and potential impacts on Alma schools
Summary
Superintendent and board members discussed a proposed state bill that would require schools to prohibit student cell phone use during the school day; administrators raised implementation questions and exemptions for medical needs and IEPs.
During the meeting Superintendent Dr. Wood briefed the board about pending state legislation that would require districts to adopt policies to keep students’ cell phones away during the school day, commonly described in testimony as a “bell‑to‑bell” prohibition.
Dr. Wood said the bill had passed the House and was on the Senate side in an amended form; sponsor references in committee testimony included Representative Mary Bentley. He told the board the bill would require districts to have a policy that must be approved by the state Department of Education and that enforcement guidelines would be part of implementation.
On details and exemptions, Dr. Wood said the bill as described includes narrow exemptions for medically necessary devices and for devices covered in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): “If we have several students talking in this first field that their cell phone is their glucometer for constant monitoring, there is an exemption for that that would have to be in the IEP.” He also summarized the anticipated operational rule as prohibiting use during lunch and passing periods as well as class time.
Board members raised practical questions about parents’ access to students during the day and how districts would handle possession and emergency exceptions. Dr. Wood said state guidance (DESE) is expected to provide further rules and a model policy, and that the district has an existing cell‑phone policy for classroom use which administrators have been enforcing.
Why it matters: A statewide policy change would require the district to revise local rules, retrain staff and communicate new procedures to families. Board members noted the potential for a transition period and the need for clear definitions of “emergency” and possession exemptions.
Ending: Dr. Wood encouraged parents and staff to communicate with state legislators if they have concerns and said the district will monitor final language and DESE guidance before making policy changes.
