Athol‑Royalston committee adopts student cell‑phone policy, updates handbooks

The Athol‑Royalston Regional School Committee on Monday adopted a new JICJA cell‑phone policy directing that students not have access to personal electronic devices during the school day and asking the superintendent to write guidelines for devices on buses and at school‑sponsored events.

Bobby Newman read the policy aloud at the meeting, saying the district “seeks to provide students with a school environment that promotes academic focus, student well‑being, and joy in our shared experience as learners.” The committee voted to waive a third reading and to adopt the policy as presented.

Committee members then approved updated student and family handbooks for the elementary and high schools. Board members said the handbooks were revised to align with the new cell‑phone policy and to incorporate the revised high‑school competency determination language. Presenters emphasized that competency‑determination rules are separate from graduation requirements.

The superintendent said additional handbook language reflecting a recent Supreme Court decision about opting out of certain instructional units will be brought forward at the September meeting for an amendment.

The committee’s action takes effect as the district directs the superintendent to draft operational guidelines and to notify families through the revised handbooks. The committee did not identify any immediate legal barriers to implementation; next administrative steps include distributing the final handbook and publishing the superintendent’s device‑use guidelines.