Wake County Schools begins districtwide review of cell phone, personal-device policy; aims for 2025–26 implementation

Wake County Schools officials and board members opened a districtwide review of cell phone and personal-device policy at a Jan. 7 work session, with staff saying they aim to present a revised policy for discussion this spring and to have a policy operational for the 2025–26 school year.

The work session focused on how personal devices affect student learning and well-being and on what information the board needs to make a districtwide policy. “Today, we are excited to introduce an important initiative that focuses on revisiting and refining our district's approach to cell phones and and personal devices, as well as a long term educational technology strategies,” said Dr. Wilson Norman, a district staff member who introduced the project. Mike Martin, a consultant with RTI (Research Triangle Institute), told the board staff and RTI plan to gather research and stakeholder input to inform a data-driven, inclusive process: “we really wanna use this time to kind of talk through the essential challenges in thinking about a cell phone policy and really get your input,” Martin said.

Why it matters: Board members and staff framed the review as an effort to support student learning and well-being while minimizing enforcement burdens for teachers. Staff recommended distinguishing policies for district‑issued instructional devices…