Page County board reviews 'bell-to-bell' cell-phone policy; decision set for Dec. 10

Dr. Alper presented a proposed "bell-to-bell" personally owned device policy that would require students to keep cell phones and similar devices concealed and muted from the start of instructional day (presenter cited 08:14 as the first-bell time) until dismissal (roughly 03:15). She said the proposal incorporates Department of Education guidance and research on device access and youth mental health and recommended the board take action at its Dec. 10 meeting, with an implementation date after winter break.

Why it matters: The change would shift device access from intermittent, class-by-class enforcement to an all-day protocol across elementary, middle and high schools. The proposal identifies medical exceptions (for students with plans such as diabetes pumps), outlines progressive consequences (lunch detention → in‑school suspension → discipline referral after repeated offenses), and requires a family communication plan and staff training.

Details presented: Dr. Alper said the division will provide containers (book bags/purses) or collect devices for students without a suitable place and that schools will still permit device use before the first bell and after dismissal for extracurriculars and emergencies. She also noted exceptions for medically necessary devices and said principals would maintain morning and midday reminders to students.

Student and board concerns: Student representatives, including Andrea Bellos (Luray High School student representative), and board members pressed on operational issues. Bellos said students appreciate the mental-health rationale but warned "kids are not gonna react well to this" and urged the board to prepare supports and communications so the policy is "more digestible and more supportive for students." Board members asked whether the VDOE guidance is a binding mandate or a recommendation and requested documentation; one board member said, "I'm not believing anything until I see it," asking staff to provide written evidence of any directive from the Virginia Department of Education.

Technical and equity questions: Trustees and staff raised technical concerns about students who rely on personal laptops or personal hotspots for dual-enrollment classes; Dr. Alper said staff will work with the IT director (Mr. Samples is referenced in the discussion) to determine whether school network access can be expanded and whether hotspots create unintended access that would undercut the policy's goals.

Process and timetable: Dr. Alper described a communications rollout (letters and informational slides for families), announcements from principals, and staff reminders. She asked the board to review the packet and give direction at the Dec. 10 meeting; the board did not vote on the policy at this session.

Next steps: The board requested (1) documentation of any VDOE directive, (2) follow-up on IT constraints for personal devices and hotspots, and (3) that staff include implementation details and a start date when the item returns on Dec. 10.