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Springfield board adopts new cellphone rules tied to House Bill 96
Summary
To comply with House Bill 96, the board adopted a revised electronic‑devices policy that defines the instructional day to include supervised activities and requires phones turned off and kept in book bags from arrival until 2:30 p.m.
At the Aug. 19 meeting, the Springfield Global Schools Board adopted a revised electronic‑devices policy to conform with House Bill 96.
District staff explained the law "states that instructional day is any period of time in which a student is expected to be in attendance and includes not only formal instruction, but also supervised activities such as transitioning between classes, recess, meal periods, and field trips." Under the adopted policy, students must keep cell phones powered off and stored in book bags from the moment they arrive at school until the 2:30 p.m. bell.
Board members said the district implemented a phone‑free approach last year with limited issues and that students engaged more in conversations and reading as the year progressed. One member said lunch‑period practices changed: last year phones were allowed at lunch but the new rule requires them to be put away during the entire instructional day.
The policy keeps existing discipline consequences in place; the board confirmed the consequences remain unchanged. Administrators noted the district will provide information to families about the policy's scope and enforcement before classes begin.
The motion to adopt the revised policy passed on a voice vote.
