The Caswell County Board of Education voted to adopt a districtwide wireless-communications policy that will prohibit most personal wireless devices for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, the board decided in its December meeting.

The policy, which the board approved after debate, covers cellphones, smart glasses, smartwatches, earbuds and other “wireless communication devices.” Under the approved language those items must be powered off and kept out of sight during the school day; documented medical or IEP accommodations are explicit exceptions. Board member Nicole Smith moved the measure; the motion carried with one dissenting vote (Begley).

Board members and staff spent more than an hour arguing implementation details: whether to begin with K–8 and phase in high school; how confiscated devices would be handled and logged; liability if a device is lost or damaged in a school pouch or sealed envelope; and how to accommodate students with medical devices or IEP-based needs. Superintendent Lance Stokes said staff will communicate the change districtwide and recommended a start date at the beginning of the second semester to allow time for outreach and training.

Supporters said the restriction is intended to reduce classroom disruptions and improve safety and engagement; opponents and some board members raised concerns about the burden of physically collecting or securing expensive devices and the logistics for staff, especially on busy days. As one board member summarized during discussion, the policy will give staff “time to really communicate and hash out a plan” before full enforcement.

The board instructed staff to finalize procedures for collecting, securing and returning devices and to make clear the communication plan for families. The approved motion specifies medical and IEP exceptions and sets the policy to take effect the first day of the second semester to allow a districtwide notification campaign.