Canfield board hears first reading of stricter student cell‑phone policy required under House Bill 250

The Canfield Local Board of Education on April 9 considered the first reading of a districtwide personal-communication-devices policy that would generally require students to keep phones 'off and away' during school, with narrow exceptions for health monitoring and use on school buses. The proposal, discussed by the district presenter identified in the transcript as 'Mister Knowl,' responds to a state mandate. 'By law, we are required to have a cell phone policy for next school year,' he said, adding the district's intent is clear: 'Off and away.'

The policy, described to the board as inclusive of cell phones and other personal devices, was developed by a policy committee and will be brought back after this first reading for additional board consideration. The presenter noted existing successful practice at the middle school under a pilot program and said the rules would permit devices when needed for medical reasons or while students are on the bus.

Board members and the presenter framed the change as prioritizing teaching and learning and reducing distractions. The presenter referenced House Bill 250 from the state legislature as the statutory impetus but said the law did not prescribe a single option, allowing districts to tailor local rules. He said district administrators had discussed variations and planned to finalize language with the policy committee before a subsequent vote.

Next steps: the board approved the first reading and will schedule further review and a final vote at a later meeting before the policy takes effect for the following school year.