Newberry board approves ban on personal electronic devices; adopts and considers several policies

On Dec. 16 the Newberry County Board of Trustees approved a second reading of policy JICJ, which prohibits personal electronic devices during the school day. The policy, presented to the board as a second reading, is scheduled for full implementation in January; administrators said implementation will include parent communication, signage and local flexibility such as secure-on-person options or lockers at some schools.

Board members discussed enforcement and data the state will review, including suspension and disciplinary indicators tied to policy enforcement. One member asked whether smartwatches and similar devices would be covered; administrators said phones must be turned off and that devices that mirror phone messages would be considered in enforcement.

The board also took up several other policies:

- DDB (online fundraising campaigns): presented for first reading; the policy clarifies district expectations for employee-led online fundraising and keeps approved guidelines in finance. The board approved the policy for first reading.

- KDC (district-sponsored information media): a new policy providing guidance on district websites and social-media posts and authority to remove comments that violate law or district mission; the district will continue with comments off by default and principals remain responsible for building-level content. The board moved the policy forward for special reading acceptance.

- KEC (public concerns and complaints about instructional resources): the board approved the policy on second reading. Board members clarified that "instructional materials" language covers library materials and that processing of complaints will follow the district—s established steps.

Board members indicated the district will monitor implementation metrics and adjust procedures as needed over the remainder of the school year.