Superintendent (name not specified in transcript) told the board the recent state law requires school boards to adopt a personal communication device (PCD)/cell-phone policy and that the Ohio Department of Education’s guidance narrows local discretion by interpreting when the instructional day begins and ends. The superintendent said the district’s current policy has worked well at the elementary and middle-school levels, allows limited phone use during transitions and lunch at the high school, and already includes exceptions for medical needs and Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodations.

Why it matters: trustees noted that ODE’s interpretation could remove some of the district’s previous flexibility about use during transitions and lunch and that stricter enforcement (confiscation, progressive discipline, pouches) would increase the policing burden on staff. The superintendent said exceptions for medical necessity and emergencies (including lockdown communications) are allowed and should be built into emergency operating plans. Staff told trustees they will present a draft policy at the December meeting and that by January the district must have a posted policy under the new state requirements.

Board members asked whether watches and other wearable devices are covered; the superintendent said the statutory language and policy guidance treat PCDs broadly and that the district would need to decide scope and enforcement. Trustees asked staff to consult legal counsel and OSBA resources where helpful and to prepare language that balances compliance with enforceability.

Next steps: the superintendent will prepare a draft policy for the December meeting, consult legal counsel as needed, and bring recommended language to the board for action ahead of the January posting deadline.