Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Device Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Huntington leaders outline plan to comply with new state 'bell‑to‑bell' device law
Summary
School administrators told the board they are preparing a draft policy to comply with a new state law that will restrict non‑district devices during the school day; exceptions for IEP/504, translation, medical needs and emergencies were discussed, and the district will vet NEOLA guidance and legal counsel before finalizing.
Dr. Deggetts briefed the board on new state requirements for student wireless devices, describing the law as imposing a "bell‑to‑bell" restriction covering the entire school day and requiring districts to post an adopted policy by July 1.
He said the legislation allows two main approaches: a no‑device rule that would bar non‑school devices from campus, or a storage/off approach that permits devices but requires them to be stored and powered off during the school day. The law explicitly covers non‑district tablets, non‑district laptops, gaming devices and smart watches in addition to cell phones, he said.
Dr. Deggetts summarized statutory exceptions the district must consider: documented IEP or 504 accommodations, language‑translation needs, superintendent‑authorized use in emergencies, and documented medical conditions certified by a licensed health professional. "It doesn't mean if a student has an IEP that he or she is guaranteed access to the device. What it means is it can be considered," he said.
Board members raised enforcement concerns, especially with wearable devices and creative workarounds. Dr. Deggetts said the district has consulted other systems (including administrators in Fort Wayne) and will seek NEOLA guidance and legal review before presenting a draft policy to the board. He recommended training and talking points for staff to handle exceptions consistently and noted the district had an initial draft under legal review.
Members also asked about related changes to handbooks and whether a district‑issued device program (Chromebooks) could meet many accommodation needs. Administrators said Chromebooks provide many instructional accommodations but that wearable devices and certain medical monitors will require case‑by‑case handling.
The board did not take action at the meeting; administrators said they will return with a NEOLA‑reviewed draft and accompanying communication plans before implementation.
