Superintendent to bring state model cell‑phone policy (Proviso 1.13) for first reading next month

The superintendent informed the Bamberg County School Board on Sept. 9 that the State Board of Education completed a second and final reading of a model cell‑phone policy, referred to in the meeting as Proviso 1.13, and that district staff will bring a draft local policy for first reading at the next board meeting.

According to the superintendent’s description to the board, Proviso 1.13 requires districts that receive state classroom aid to implement a policy that prohibits student access to personal electronic communication devices for the entirety of the school day — from arrival on campus until final dismissal. The district’s current policy, the superintendent said, restricts device access during instruction periods but does not cover the full school day; the proposed change would broaden that restriction to the full time a student is present on campus.

The superintendent said a copy of the proviso was included in the meeting packet and that district personnel, including school principals, will work to incorporate the state model policy into the student code of conduct. He said the draft policy will be presented for first reading at the next board meeting in accordance with the state requirement. No formal vote on a local policy occurred at the Sept. 9 meeting.

Board members were briefed on the policy requirement and told the public when the draft would be available; further public comment and a formal vote would occur in subsequent meetings when the board considers the local policy revision.