School board adopts student personal electronic device policy, sets phased rollout and staff training

The RSU 35/MSAD 35 school board voted to adopt policy JFC, student use of personal electronic devices, and the companion procedures (JFC-R) after a prolonged discussion about how to implement the change without disrupting instruction.

Board members said the goal is to reduce in-class distractions while preserving access to technology for instructional use. A board member who led the discussion said the district intends to give buildings flexibility on details, including whether to use lockable pouches or other storage approaches, and to phase the rollout so staff can be trained.

The board heard technical briefings about classroom network limits and student-owned devices. "From a data perspective we have about 119 students right now bringing their own devices, and the vast majority are iOS/MacBooks," a board member relayed, citing the district's tech team. The same briefing noted a technical constraint: if a student uses a personal phone hotspot, district network controls cannot prevent screen-mirroring from that hotspot.

The policy discussion also focused on how to make the change workable for teachers. "You have to pick a timeline and rip the band-aid off," a board member said, describing approaches other districts used; other members urged a more gradual on-ramp, saying staff training and clear routines are necessary to avoid policing students.

Board members reviewed vendor options for lockable pouches and docking stations, and discussed a Yonder program that offers a 50% match; the board was told the vendor's matching offer requires a purchase order by Dec. 15 to secure discounted pricing and that training and consultation would accompany installation. District leaders proposed a practical schedule: expecting pouches to arrive shortly after winter break and a phased student rollout with additional staff training into February.

The motion to adopt the policy and accompanying procedures passed during the meeting. The motion to adopt JFC was seconded by Jen; the motion to adopt JFC-R was also moved and seconded during the same agenda item. The board directed staff to proceed with vendor conversations, training plans and building-level implementation routines and left open the possibility of revising the policy if practical challenges arise.

Next steps include vendor procurement, a consultation and staff training schedule, and school-level communications for families and students about the new routines. The board emphasized that buildings will be able to tailor day-to-day procedures to local needs while holding to the district-wide policy intent.