Shawnee Mission board adopts age‑differentiated limits on personal electronic devices; policy JCDC to take effect in February

The Shawnee Mission School District Board of Education on Jan. 13 approved a new policy limiting student use of personal electronic devices during the school day, adopting policy JCDC by a 6–1 vote.

Board leaders framed the policy as an age‑appropriate effort to protect instructional time and give teachers consistent authority. The policy requires elementary and middle school students to store personal devices in backpacks, lockers or designated areas during the school day; middle school students may briefly check devices during passing periods at their lockers. High school expectations focus on protecting instructional time; the administration said teachers will not be allowed to permit device use for non‑instructional purposes during class.

"Anything that we do in the school district ought to serve student achievement," Superintendent Dr. Schumacher told the board while summarizing the administration's recommendation. The administration proposed the age‑differentiated approach after an action team produced separate recommendations for elementary, middle and high schools.

High school principals said implementing a phone policy midyear will require clear communication and coaching for students and staff but is feasible. "If we were to implement this at the high school level . . . we would just have to be clear and precise with our implementation plan," said Jason Pierres, principal at Shawnee Mission East.

Board members expressed a range of views during the discussion. Some said the policy gives teachers needed support. Others urged continued emphasis on teaching digital citizenship so students learn to use technology responsibly beyond school. One board member expressed reservations and said they would abstain from the vote; the board president noted an abstention would be counted as a no and the motion carried 6–1.

The board also updated the district discipline matrix and student handbooks to add a new entry addressing personal electronic device violations; administrative responses for first offenses include counselor conferences, parent contact and device confiscation, escalating to repeated‑offense remedies (the discipline matrix lists in‑school suspension as an available response for severe or repeated offenses). The board approved the handbook revisions 7–0.

Implementation steps and timing: the administration asked for a three‑week runway after board approval to allow staff and principals to prepare and communicate with families; full implementation was scheduled for Feb. 3. Communications staff prepared an internal and external rollout plan using social media, emails to families and staff and building‑level meetings. Principals told the board they will provide classroom and building procedures, phone storage options for staff rooms, and resources to help teachers manage transitions.

Exceptions and special cases: The administration said exceptions would be handled on a limited basis for documented health or learning needs (through the district504 process and similar accommodations). Principals said teachers could request short, classroom‑specific device use when needed for instruction; these uses should be monitored and limited to activities that are "needed for learning."

The administration committed to returning to the board with an evaluation at the end of the school year on implementation and effectiveness.

Votes at a glance

- Policy JCDC (Restrictions on possession and use of personal electronic devices): Motion to approve moved by "Henry," seconded by Board member Garcia; motion carried 6–1. (Implementation target Feb. 3; discipline matrix updates and staff communications planned.)

- Revised elementary, middle and high school student handbooks (updates implementing JCDC): Approved 7–0.

- Resolution to establish election of school board officers at the June 23, 2025 organizational meeting: Approved 7–0 (statutory requirement).

- Resolution establishing board regular meeting dates for 2025–26: Approved 7–0 (statutory requirement).

Ending: The board voted to move forward with the policy and handbook changes, and the administration will return with an end‑of‑year report on implementation and any recommended refinements.