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Board discusses proposed state law to ban student devices from bell to bell
Summary
Trustees discussed a proposed bill that would require students’ personal devices to be inaccessible from tardy bell to dismissal; administrators raised enforcement, storage, and IEP/medical exemptions and said district policy will be required by July 1 if law passes.
Board members heard an overview of proposed state legislation that would prohibit student access to personal electronic devices from the time the tardy bell rings until dismissal.
Administrators described two possible implementation models: a no‑device rule that would bar personal devices from the building, and a powered‑down storage model that would require students to power off and store devices in lockers or pouches during the day. They flagged operational challenges, including enforcement during lunch and passing periods, cost and practicality of storage systems, and student work‑arounds (such as carrying an inactive “burner” phone in a pouch).
Superintendent staff said the law would allow documented exceptions, for example for students with an IEP, medical needs or device‑dependent medical monitoring, and that the Department of Education is expected to issue guidance. District principals are discussing how the policy would be implemented and communicated to families; the administration noted the district must have a policy in place by July 1 if the law is enacted.
Board members acknowledged the policy intent but asked for clarity on communications plans, enforcement mechanics and how accommodations would be handled for students with special needs. No formal board action was taken; staff will continue planning and draft policy language based on forthcoming DOE guidance.
