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Board adopts updated device policy: smart glasses banned bell‑to‑bell; middle school phone access narrowed
Summary
Durham Public Schools adopted Policy 43.18 on second reading with amendments: smart glasses are prohibited during the school day except where permitted by IEP/504 or individual health plans; smartwatches are treated like phones; middle schools will adopt a bell‑to‑bell restriction with emergency exceptions and limited staff authorization.
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education voted 6–0 on Nov. 20 to adopt a revised student device policy (Policy 43.18) after a lengthy discussion of smart glasses, smartwatches and middle‑school access.
Administration presented the policy on second reading, noting the local language implements state statute requirements and provides clarity for school leaders. The policy as amended prohibits smart glasses from the school’s first bell to dismissal bell except when included in a student’s IEP, 504 plan, or individual health plan, or when administration grants approval for allowable purposes. Smartwatches will be treated the same as cell phones — allowed only when phones would be allowed under the policy at a given school level.
The board debated whether middle school students should have access to devices only during lunch or be subject to a strict bell‑to‑bell prohibition. After exchanging concerns about safety, student maturation, emergency communication and consistency between schools, the board adopted the policy with a bell‑to‑bell approach for middle school and clarified emergency exceptions. The policy now explicitly states that no permission is required to call 911 and that students may access phones during an emergency with authorization from administration or when immediate communication is necessary for student safety; staff also may authorize brief, discrete uses for legitimate instructional or safety needs.
Board members emphasized implementation will require clear staff guidance and family communication. Chair Umstead asked administration to publish a clean, final version capturing all board edits and to return to the board with a final copy and outreach plans.
Action recorded: motion to approve Policy 43.18 as amended for second reading (moved by Vice Chair Rogers; seconded by Miss Beyer); vote 6–0.
What the policy will change: schools will have uniform guidance about new technologies (smart glasses/smartwatches), middle school device access will generally be prohibited from first bell to dismissal, and emergency and individualized exceptions (IEP/504) remain in place. Administrators will be responsible for communicating specifics and preparing staff training and guidance.
Implementation notes: administration will post the finalized policy packet, provide materials for principals, and coordinate communications with families before January implementation tied to state statute timing.
