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Board hears implementation plan for Senate Bill 68; district to 'put the cell phones away and focus on harmony'
Summary
Administrators outlined how the district will implement the new state law (SB68) restricting student electronic devices in secondary schools: signage, extra supervision early in the year, staff training, and use of Raptor/district iPads for emergency communications.
District administrators briefed the board on plans to implement Senate Bill 68, the state law that tightens rules on student personal electronic devices in secondary schools.
During the MSBA report and again in superintendent remarks, CES and district leaders stressed the bill takes effect Aug. 28 and urged districts to focus on training rather than expensive equipment purchases. John McDonald, CES chief operating officer, told members: "Most of senate bill 68 has a very low cost to school districts. The cost is in the effort." (MSBA/John McDonald presentation.)
At the board meeting, Dr. Hartman and secondary administrators described practical steps the district will take: clear signage outside classrooms, communication with families, a brief period of extra supervision during passing periods and lunchtime, and staff training at back‑to‑school. "Our take on it is gonna be, to put the cell phones away and focus on harmony," an administrator stated when outlining expectations for staff and students.
Board members raised questions about parent communications and emergency contact protocols. Administrators said staff members are not covered by the student‑device restriction and that the district will continue to use Raptor and district‑provided iPads to issue alerts and contact students when needed. One board member noted the policy will require a learning curve for families, and administrators said they have prepared signage and additional supervisor support for the early weeks of school.
The board also approved related handbook updates to reflect the compliance officer designation and the cell‑phone policy. The handbook changes were approved 6–0.
