Westlake board adopts state-directed high-school cell-phone limits in handbook update

The Westlake City Schools board voted Dec. 8 to approve changes to the Westlake High School handbook, including a cell-phone policy the district says it must implement following guidance from the Department of Education/Workforce. Superintendent Hopkins explained the agency’s interpretation treats the instructional day as 'bell to bell,' which requires the district to apply cell-phone restrictions during all instructional periods, including travel and lunch as defined in the guidance.

Board members voiced concerns about the loss of local discretion. One trustee said they were 'not really wild about the cell phone update, but I understand we are required this by state of law.' Another member framed the change as an erosion of home-rule authority and encouraged contacting local legislators. Supporters noted carve-outs remain for medical needs and that school staff have developed local strategies (cohorts, activity tables, ping-pong tables) to encourage student interaction at lunch.

Despite misgivings about statewide direction and questions about enforcement and penalties, the board took a roll-call vote and approved the superintendent’s recommendations (items 9b through 9i), which included the handbook updates and the cell-phone policy. Trustees said they will continue to monitor implementation and may communicate concerns to state legislators if needed.

As part of the superintendent’s presentation, administrators also proposed new weighted career-technical courses and curricular additions such as cybersecurity and personal finance, which trustees discussed as potentially expanding work opportunities for students.