Dorchester 02 advances tighter student device policy and sends rule to first reading

The Dorchester 02 board on June 13 advanced a revised district policy restricting student possession and use of personal electronic devices during the instructional day and sent the accompanying administrative rule for first reading after extended discussion about smartwatches, storage options, medical exemptions and enforcement.

The policy, labeled JICJ, and its rule are intended "to protect the instructional minutes within the classroom," Miss Bates, the board's policy chair, said, arguing that phones and related devices have become a distraction. Board staff presented JICJ as a significantly updated policy and said the rule (JICJ‑R) will spell out operational details for elementary, middle and high school levels.

Principals warned the board that enforcement would be difficult unless schools adopt consistent routines. A high‑school principal said the most workable approach is for students to place devices in a classroom storage system on entry: "If you allow them to keep it on their person, we're going to be chasing the discipline of a kid sneaking their stuff," the principal said, describing the burden on teachers who should be focused on instruction.

The board…