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Board reviews draft handbook language after new state law requires devices be 'inaccessible from bell to bell'
Summary
Administrators briefed the board on a new state law that requires student devices be inaccessible during the school day and on guidance for restricting staff use of social‑media tools; staff recommended drafting general handbook language and consulting other districts before finalizing operational details.
Administrators told the board a recent state law changes two areas: (1) rules governing which social‑media or communication tools staff may use to contact students and families, and (2) a requirement that student personal devices be "inaccessible from bell to bell." The district has to place the device‑rule language in student handbooks so it can be enforced under discipline policies.
Staff reviewed options being considered: a single district‑managed communication tool tied to the student information system for staff–family communications, locked carts or district‑managed secure storage for devices during the school day, or a district pouch system that students bring from home and lock at school. Administrators warned of operational burdens—managing large numbers of devices or pouches, staffing collection/return points, and addressing theft or missing items. They also proposed a medical/IEP/504 exemption process for students who require devices for health needs.
Quote and interpretation: "It does say that the phone must be inaccessible from bell to bell," an administrator told the board while discussing possible storage solutions and liability concerns. Staff suggested the board adopt handbook language stating devices must be inaccessible during school hours and that staff will later determine the operational approach (pouches, carts, or other secure systems) after reviewing peers' implementations and supply availability.
Why it matters: the law creates operational requirements for every building (elementary through high school) and may require district purchases or a parent purchase option to make secure storage feasible. Board members raised equity and enforcement concerns and asked staff to monitor neighboring districts and provide a recommendation by mid‑summer so handbooks can be published before school starts.
What’s next: staff will refine handbook language, research pouch suppliers and peer district solutions (Beloit and others were cited as examples), and return with recommended language and cost estimates to ensure compliance before publishing handbooks for the next school year.
