Board debates cell-phone policy alignment with state executive order; superintendent says state guidance, not a direct mandate

Fluvanna County School Board members spent substantial time discussing a proposed approach to student cell-phone use and how to respond to Executive Order 33 and related bills in the General Assembly.

Superintendent Dr. Stribling told the board that legal review indicates the executive order tasks the Department of Education with creating guidance for school divisions rather than directly ordering local boards to adopt new policies. "The executive order does not direct school boards to do anything. It directs the Department of Ed and the Secretary of Ed to create guidelines that school boards can then use to implement policies," he said.

Staff reported results from staff engagement: about 70% of staff respondents believed restricting cell-phone use during the school day would be a positive change, though responses varied by setting (classroom vs. hallways/lunch). Board members repeatedly raised concerns about consistent enforcement; one member argued that if the policy is not enforced equally across classrooms, it will cause conflict and undermine credibility. Others raised practical issues: teachers and staff often use phones for two-factor authentication or to access work-related apps, raising fairness and operational questions about strict staff bans.

Several board members urged caution against quick adoption of local rules in December that might require reworking if state legislation or formal guidance arrives early next year. A range of enforcement options were discussed—targeted classroom enforcement, code-of-conduct revisions, or waiting for clearer state direction—without a final policy vote.

Next steps described on the record: staff will redact qualitative survey comments and provide the board with a draft implementation approach or policy options after further legal review and as state guidance or legislation becomes clearer.