Board adopts March 2026 policy updates, including limits on student device use and recording

The Romulus Community Schools Board on May 11 approved the second and final reading of the district’s March 2026 policy manual updates as recommended by school counsel Miller Johnson.

Included in the updates is a wireless communications policy that restricts student use of personal devices during school and clarifies disciplinary expectations. The policy text presented to the board states that students may not "use wireless communication devices to broadcast or record audio, images or video of any student, staff member, or other person in the school while attending a school-related activity unless the student has received permission from the persons to be broadcasted or recorded." The policy carves out curricular and extracurricular activities (athletics, arts, performances) where personal recording is generally permitted.

Administrators told the board to prepare for a likely short-term spike in discipline referrals as the rule is implemented and emphasized consistent teacher enforcement. Staff said that the academic effects of removing phones in other districts have been mixed and that clear communication to parents and role-modeling by staff will be important to limit conflict.

The board passed the motion to adopt the updates after the second reading; the vote was unanimous. Trustees asked administration to provide guidance and communications for teachers and parents ahead of implementation and to monitor disciplinary data as the policy takes effect.

Ending: The adopted policy will be distributed to staff, and administration will return with implementation guidance, communication materials for families, and a plan to monitor discipline trends.