Bolivar R‑I prepares handbooks for state cellphone ban; district to form advisory council

Administrators told the Bolivar R‑I Board of Education they are preparing student handbook language and parent communications to implement a state law that bans student cellphone use during the school day.

Dr. Garber, who will become assistant superintendent of academics on July 1, and other administrators said the district is aligning handbook language with the new statute (referred to in the meeting as Senate Bill 68) and noted that the ban applies "bell to bell" from tardy bell to dismissal. The district said existing board policy JGR1 already contains device and discipline language that aligns with the new statute, but administrators are preparing consistent handbook wording and messaging for parents and students.

Administrators told the board the law allows limited exceptions for documented medical needs and that some details remain unclear, including how the law will apply to smartwatches and other wearable devices. "That has come up and that's one of the things that still seems to be a little vague," an administrator said.

To support implementation and school culture, the district plans to form an advisory council of administrators, teachers and parents to meet quarterly and advise on issues including bullying, bus behavior and classroom disruptions. The district also said it will consider practical supports for teachers, such as storage pouches or other classroom systems, and will coordinate messaging with neighboring districts.

Why it matters: the change will alter day‑to‑day student expectations and requires consistent enforcement across schools; administrators said they will communicate with families and provide guidance to staff before the start of the school year.

What happens next: the administration will finalize handbook text and a communications plan for August; the board will review draft policy language and any recommended local procedures at a future meeting.