Rainier SD 13 board directs superintendent to craft cell-phone restriction for 2025

The Rainier SD 13 Board of Directors voted to direct Superintendent Holloway to develop a districtwide proposal restricting students’ use of cell phones during regularly scheduled school hours, with the superintendent tasked to return with a plan at the board’s December meeting for implementation at the start of the 2025 calendar year. The motion passed following discussion and a second.

Board members said they were motivated by research shared at the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) conference and feedback from nearby districts that have already limited phone access. "Some studies confirm what many of you have thought about how cell phones fit into school and how they impact student learning," Holloway said when introducing the item.

Board members asked that staff and leadership be closely involved in drafting the proposal. One board member said the policy only succeeds if "everybody, board included, from across the entire district" is on board; Holloway responded that he would gather substantial staff feedback and work with his leadership team.

The board did not vote on a final policy; the directive instructs the superintendent to present a detailed proposal (including staff input and implementation timeline) at the December meeting. The board discussed targeting the policy to begin at the start of the 2025 calendar year to allow a clear transition and community outreach period.

Next steps: Superintendent Holloway will return with a draft policy, associated communications plans and recommended implementation dates at the December board meeting.