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Battle Creek board reviews broad phone ban to align with new Michigan law
Summary
Board staff read a revised Policy 5209 and trustees debated a proposed 'bell-to-bell' ban on student cell-phone and wireless device use inside school buildings, citing a February 2026 Michigan law requiring districts to adopt phone-use policies; trustees pressed staff on exemptions and emergency access.
The Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education on May 18 reviewed a revised Policy 5209 that would prohibit student use of cell phones and other electronic communication devices during the school day inside district buildings.
Dr. Cheeks, the staff presenter, read the recommended language aloud: "Students may not use cell phones or other electronic devices during school hours. Cell phones or other electronic devices must be stored in the student's locker during school hours if a student chooses to bring them to schools," and warned that taking or sharing obscene or illegal images "may constitute a crime under state and federal law." The draft also states the district is not responsible for loss or damage to devices and that principals may require meetings with parents before returning confiscated items.
The revision responds to recent state action. "Michigan State law requires that public and charter school districts ban the use of wireless communication devices, including smartphones on school grounds during instructional time," Dr. Carter told the board, noting the law was signed in February 2026 and the district received sample policy wording from its legal counsel. The board's policy committee recommended a stronger approach — a districtwide 'bell-to-bell' ban — to avoid having staff enforce multiple time windows during the school day.
Trustees asked detailed questions about exemptions and implementation. Trustee Kate Flores asked for background on why the proposed policy goes beyond the state mandate, noting the legislature's requirement focuses on instructional time. Dr. Cheeks and Dr. Carter said the policy excludes assisted devices required by a student's IEP or 504 plan and that practical implementation details — including a protocol for exceptions — will be handled in implementation documents rather than written verbatim into the policy.
Board members also raised concerns about emergency communications and parental pushback. Dr. Carter said phones are available in each classroom for emergency use and that the district's Emergency Operations Plan will be updated so students have access to phones in emergencies.
The discussion included questions about documentation of committee outreach; staff said they carried out a "listening tour" that included teachers, families and students and that committee members' main concern was achieving consistent implementation across buildings.
No formal vote on Policy 5209 was taken at this meeting; the item was presented for review and clarification. The policy will return for further consideration after staff finalizes implementation details and clarifies the written exemptions and rollout plan.
