Board updates cell‑phone and electronic‑device policy to align with state law, emphasizes exceptions and stakeholder buy‑in

The Wasatch County School Board approved updates to its cell-phone and electronic-device acceptable-use policy to align district language with a recent state law.

Dr. Eric Campbell, the district's director of human resources, presented the revisions that mainly adjust definitions and add a provision allowing, at the secondary level, a warning before bringing administrators into phone-related disciplinary situations. He described the changes as limited in scope and intended to ensure the district follows state guidance while creating time to engage parents, students and teachers.

Board members raised concerns about exceptions and consistent enforcement. One board member specifically noted that exceptions based on Section 504 plans or individualized education programs (IEPs) are included and emphasized the need for communication with families when exceptions apply.

"The policy allows for that," a board member said when describing exceptions for students with legitimate reasons. Board members also described the review of this policy as overdue—the last comprehensive review cited in the meeting was in 2012—and stressed the importance of stakeholder buy‑in for successful implementation.

The board approved the updated policy on a voice vote and directed staff to continue collecting feedback and to use state and policy‑project resources to engage the community as they refine implementation.