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Lake Norman Charter board adopts state-aligned personal electronic device policy for classrooms
Summary
The Lake Norman Charter Board voted to update its handbook to a 'personal electronic device' policy that requires high-school students to store devices in classroom slots and keep them powered off during instructional time, with allowances for passing time, lunch and medical exemptions.
The Lake Norman Charter Board of Directors on Tuesday adopted changes to its student handbook to comply with state law restricting personal electronic device use during instructional time.
Board members approved the handbook amendment after a presentation from school staff explaining the change and answering questions about disciplinary procedures and safety. The policy replaces the school's previous “cell phone” language with a broader “personal electronic device” definition to include smartwatches, earbuds and other wearable devices. "So basically, from bell to bell, they would not be able to have earbuds, headphones, smartwatches ... or their cell phones," the presenting staff member said.
School leaders said the most substantial changes affect the high school. Under the new rules, students will place devices in a classroom slot on arrival and keep them turned off; teachers will use the slot presence as a quick attendance indicator. Devices may be used during passing periods and at lunch. Staff emphasized that medical and documented exemptions (for example, students who monitor diabetes through an app) will be accommodated. "There will be some exceptions to those rules for things that make sense," the presenter said.
Board members pressed for clarity on enforcement and fairness, including how the slot system accounts for students who do not bring devices. The presenting staff member said the slots are intended to create a uniform routine and reduce teacher-student conflict over enforcement. An officer consulted in the discussion noted that unrestricted outside information during emergencies can complicate response efforts.
Following discussion, a board member moved to accept the handbook modifications. The motion was seconded and the board voted in favor; the chair declared the motion passed.
The administration said communications about the changes will be sent to families immediately, with more-detailed guidance for high school students and families.
The board meeting closed without further changes to the disciplinary process beyond clarifications already included in the proposed handbook text.
