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Board reviews draft device policy after new state law; IEP exceptions flagged
Summary
Following a new state requirement, district staff presented a draft 'bell-to-bell' policy prohibiting student personal electronic device use during the school day, with explicit exceptions for IEP/504 medical or instructional needs and instructions to certify policy to the state by Sept. 1, 2026.
McPherson USD 418 administrators presented a draft policy to comply with a new state law requiring districts to prohibit student use of personal electronic devices during the school day and to adopt enforcement procedures.
Staff said the draft defines "personal electronic device" broadly — covering wireless communication devices including some smartwatches — and that devices must be turned off and stored in an inaccessible location during the school day except where an IEP or 504 plan documents a necessary exception (for example, medical monitoring). The superintendent told the board those individualized exceptions will need review at the IEP team level.
Board members asked how enforcement would work and what reasonable storage and liability protections would be required. Staff said districts will need clear enforcement steps and that state statute provides limited liability protection for districts that store devices with reasonable care. Administration noted the board must adopt and certify the policy to the State Board by Sept. 1, 2026 and that principals and administrators will work on implementation and communications over the summer.
The draft will return to the board for formal approval; staff said they plan to coordinate handbooks, enforcement language and parent communications before the 2026–27 school year.
