Board adopts student cell-phone policy; administration to issue rules for Jan. 7 implementation

The Berkeley County Board of Education approved the second reading of a new district policy (JICDB) Dec. 2 that limits student access to cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices during the school day.

Administration said the policy was drafted to comply with Proviso 1.103 in the 2024 General Appropriations Act and that legal counsel was consulted in developing the language. Miss Washington, presenting to the committee, said the policy "is being written to comply with Proviso 1 point 103 in the 2024 general appropriations bill" and described the proposal as intended to "create a phone free school environment that fosters a positive learning experience free from electronic distractions." She told the board administrators will produce an administrative rule and parent communications to support implementation on Jan. 7, 2025.

Board members discussed enforcement and administrative procedure. Miss Littleton noted the policy language allows the district to forbid cell phones on campus and asked how that would be applied; Miss Washington said the administrative rule will address options such as requiring phones to remain turned off in backpacks or lockers and that exceptions will be made when a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or medical plan requires it. Board members also asked whether confiscation and long-term holding of devices would be part of enforcement; presenters said disciplinary steps and an updated administrative rule will address consequences and reduce operational burden on school staff.

The board approved the policy following a committee recommendation; the Academics and Innovation Committee had advanced the second reading by a 3-0 committee vote earlier in the meeting. The administrative rule and implementation details will return to the board for feedback prior to the Jan. 7, 2025 implementation date.