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Board approves handbook changes that ban student phone use during school hours
Summary
The Morton CUSD 709 board approved revisions to the 2026'27 district handbook that eliminate student phone use during school hours (8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.), introduce a tiered discipline system and reserve limited exceptions (IEP/504 devices, emergencies, or building-administrator authorization). The vote was unanimous on recorded items.
The Morton CUSD 709 Board of Education voted to approve revisions to the 2026'27 district handbook that institute a districtwide prohibition on phone use during school hours, tighten enforcement procedures and harmonize handbook language with district policies.
The handbook change, presented by Mr. Tennel, removes previously allowed phone use during lunch and passing periods and establishes that phones should be "off and away" during the school day (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). Mr. Tennel described a tiered discipline approach: an initial warning followed by student-services storage, subsequent parent notification and progressive consequences for repeat referrals. "We're proposing no phone use during the school hours," he told the board.
The administration said the change is intended to reduce distractions, limit online bullying and create consistent classroom management across buildings. Implementation details discussed included using storage solutions (calculator-caddy style containers or backpacks for students with no locker), clarifying smartwatch treatment (treated under the same expectations), and educating parents about communication alternatives (email or calling the main office during the school day).
Board members asked practical questions about enforcement, how students without lockers will store devices, potential short-term challenges during implementation and the need for clear parent communications. The administration said it will use newsletters and other communications to prepare families and staff and noted that building administrators will retain limited authority to make exceptions when necessary (for example, documented IEP/504 device needs or safety concerns).
At roll call, votes on the revised handbook and the related Press Plus Issue 121 policy updates were recorded as affirmative by Mrs. Layman, Mrs. Perie, Mr. Roth, Mr. Red, Mr. Onus, Dr. Cross and Dr. Crawl. The consent agenda subsequently passed as presented.
The board and administration said they plan to monitor implementation, survey staff and students midyear or at year-end, and adjust handbook language if needed after practical experience.
No litigation or regulatory change was reported as part of the action; the handbook revision was adopted as board policy during this meeting.
