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Battle Creek board approves bell‑to‑bell cell‑phone ban with IEP/504 exceptions
Summary
On second reading the board approved revised Policy 5209 to prohibit student use of cell phones and electronic devices during school hours (bell‑to‑bell); staff will form an implementation team and clarify what 'school hours' means by building.
The Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education on Monday approved revisions to Policy 5209, prohibiting student use of cell phones and other electronic devices during school hours and requiring students who bring devices to store them in lockers.
During the second reading Dr. Carter explained the key change: the policy moves to a bell‑to‑bell prohibition across campuses to create consistent expectations. "The biggest shift is going to be no cell phone from bell to bell," the superintendent said.
The board and staff clarified that the district will maintain exceptions for devices that are included in a student's IEP or 504 plan. Trustees asked staff to define "school hours" by building because bell schedules differ across elementary, middle and high schools; staff confirmed an implementation team including teachers and principals will convene on June 15 to develop rollout and family communications.
The policy text included disciplinary language for students who take or share obscene or otherwise illegal material and noted administrators may confiscate devices when rules are violated; the district stated it is not responsible for theft or damage to personal devices.
Implementation next steps
Staff will form the implementation team on June 15, define school‑by‑school "school hours" for communication to families, and circulate guidance for principals and teachers. The board approved the revised policy on second reading and directed staff to provide clear parent communications over the summer ahead of the coming school year.
