Board discusses creating local student cellphone and smartwatch policy ahead of state action

A board member urged the Gateway School District to draft a local student cellphone and smartwatch policy before the state finalizes any legislation, saying model policies from other districts could be used as templates and adjusted if state law later changes.

The board member (Board member, speaker 5) cited the Pittsburgh City School policy as an example and noted the need for explicit accommodations for students with individualized education programs or 504 plans. "If a kid has an IEP or if it's a 504, then, of course, that can be put in there, and they can keep their cell phone or they can keep their watch," the board member said.

Staff (Staff member, speaker 6) and other members discussed practical choices for implementation, including whether teachers or building administrators should collect devices, whether devices would be stored in backpacks or shoe-rack style receptacles, and how to handle smartwatches that can text. "It's across — I talked to Woodland Hills parents," the same board member said, arguing a consistent districtwide policy would reduce confusion.

Solicitor input and board consensus focused on producing options for the policy committee to review rather than adopting policy immediately. Staff offered to provide a set of model policies and the relevant state bill language for the committee to compare and adapt. Chair (Chair, speaker 4) and staff agreed the committee would examine how other districts implement collection, enforcement responsibilities and any timing constraints so the district does not have to revise policy mid‑school year.

The board did not adopt a policy at the meeting. Instead the policy committee was asked to compile sample policies and the draft state bill text so the board can consider a recommended district approach before the next school year or revise it once the state statute is finalized.