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Board reviews draft bell‑to‑bell wireless device policy; trustees press for clearer wording on 'possess' and storage
Summary
At first reading, the board reviewed proposed policy 53‑16 to implement SEA 78's ban on student use of personal wireless communication devices during the school day. Trustees asked for clearer language about what 'possess' means and how devices will be stored at schools with differing facilities.
The Monroe County Community School Corporation board took up a first reading of a revised wireless communication device policy (policy 53‑16) designed to implement Senate Enrolled Act 78's bell‑to‑bell restriction on student use of personal wireless devices.
Miss Harmon presented the revision and said it would require students to store devices in an "inaccessible location" during the school day, with the exact storage solution identified at each building and described in student handbooks and orientation guides.
Trustees pressed for clearer wording and operational detail. One raised the specific concern that the policy's opening language — which allows students to "bring" a device but also says they are "prohibited from possessing" it — creates confusion about whether a device may remain in a backpack. Miss Harmon said administrators would identify building‑specific locations such as lockers, cubbies or backpacks where devices must be stored and noted there will be exceptions spelled out in accompanying guidelines.
"They will have to store them in an inaccessible location for the instructional school day," Miss Harmon said, explaining that an approved location could include a locker or cubby and that student handbooks will specify the building approach.
Legal and policy staff told trustees they could refine the word choice to reduce legal exposure and suggested the board could adopt more precise language before a final vote. Board members also asked about the cost and administrative time required to manage storage solutions and how to avoid consuming instructional time.
No vote was taken; the policy was presented for second reading and recommendation to adopt at the June 23 meeting.
Sources: Presentation and Q&A with Miss Harmon and board members during the May 19 meeting.
