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Board discusses new state law restricting student cellphone use; leans toward backpacks-or-pouch approach
Summary
After the governor signed a bill limiting student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time, Taylor County board members debated options — a full on-campus ban or requiring devices be stored in backpacks or teacher-provided pouches — and asked staff to confirm effective dates before formal policy readings.
Board members discussed a newly signed state law banning student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time and debated how the district should implement a local policy.
Superintendent Stallings presented two policy options provided by the state guidance: a strict prohibition of devices on school property or allowing devices on campus but requiring them to be stored in backpacks or in teacher-provided containers during instruction. Several board members said the pouch option raised cost and enforcement concerns.
"I'm not doing that. I won't vote for that," one board member said of the teacher-pouch idea, arguing it would be difficult and potentially expensive to police. Another member said the new law bans use during instructional time and does not necessarily require a campus-wide ban.
Why it matters: the change affects routines for students and staff and requires the board to adopt a local policy with clear rules for classrooms, hallways and extracurricular times. Members asked staff to confirm the law's effective date; staff said the law typically takes effect within 90 days of signing unless the statute specifies otherwise and noted communications indicating a July 9 effective date in some materials.
Board direction and next steps: after discussion a member moved and a second supported a policy that would require devices to remain in backpacks or in teacher-provided containers during instructional time. Several members asked staff to return the specific draft policy for formal first reading and to verify the final effective date.
Ending: the board did not adopt a final policy at the meeting; members signaled a clear preference for restricting classroom use while seeking administrative follow-up on effective dates and implementation logistics.
