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Board approves revisions to personal-device policy to comply with new state law
Summary
The board approved Neola policy updates that add wireless-communication restrictions during instructional time (e.g., headphones, smart glasses) to comply with recent state statutes; administration said the changes will be piloted and communicated before a July 1 compliance date.
The West Allis-West Milwaukee School Board voted May 11 to adopt a batch of Neola policy updates that revise the district's approach to personal communication devices in classrooms to align with a recently passed state law. "Wireless communication specifically is in there," Superintendent Robinson told the board, saying the district will interpret the rule to prohibit wireless use during instructional time (examples named included AirPods, watches and headphones).
Administration framed the change as compliance rather than a new district initiative and said the board has until July 1 to finalize district language under the statute. Robinson said the district will use a "piloting" period through the end of the school year and send communications to families and schools to prepare for fall implementation.
Board members asked clarifying questions about scope and notice. Board member Lee noted that because the legislature required the wireless language the district's hands were "more tied" and the board should expect limited latitude on the requirement. Robinson and staff said the policy will remain focused on instructional time and maintain previously allowed flexibility for non-instructional times such as cafeterias.
What it means: The approved changes are administrative regulations to ensure compliance with state statute; the board and district staff emphasized communication and gradual implementation rather than immediate punitive enforcement.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the policy language, distribute communications to families and principals, and continue to refine implementation guidance before the fall semester.
