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Pine Bluff begins policy work for new "Bell to Bell" phone restrictions; free breakfast already provided under CEP
Summary
District staff told the board they have purchased phone pouches for secondary students and are drafting procedures to implement recently enacted state laws limiting phone use in class; Pine Bluff already provides free breakfast under the Community Eligibility Provision.
The Pine Bluff School District told the board it is preparing to implement recently enacted state laws addressing in-school cellphone use and breakfast access.
District staff reported that two acts signed into law — referred to to the board as Act 122 (the Bell-to-Bell No Cell Act) and Act 123 (the Free Breakfast Act) — require procedural changes schools must follow. Staff said the district used governor-provided pilot funds and state money to purchase Yonder phone pouches for secondary students (grades 7–12) and will draft policies and procedures before the 2025–26 school year. Staff emphasized they are still developing details about assignment and access, including how pouches will be managed during school hours and how parents will communicate in emergencies.
Why it matters: the measures will change daily routines for students, teachers and families. The district stressed that parental concerns about emergency access and communication are part of planning; staff said they will invite parents and student advisory groups into policy discussions.
Key points: - The district has procured phone pouches intended to hold student phones while at school; pouches were demonstrated in the meeting. Staff said the pouches were ordered for secondary students and were purchased with state and governor pilot funds, not district general funds. - Staff said they will form a student advisory committee and consult parents while creating procedures. District leaders noted the law takes effect for the 2025–26 school year and that the district has existing handbook language prohibiting certain phone use. - Regarding breakfast, staff said Pine Bluff already provides free breakfast and lunch under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP); the new Free Breakfast Act may change state requirements but will not alter current practice in Pine Bluff while CEP is in place. Staff said school breakfasts are typically hot but sometimes include cold options such as cereal bars.
Board members asked about unlocking mechanisms, emergency contact expectations and whether pouches will be used during arrival/exit. District staff said many of those operational questions remain under review and will be the focus of forthcoming meetings with parents, students and staff.
No formal vote or procedural rule change was adopted during the meeting; staff asked the board to note progress and expect policy proposals in coming weeks.
