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Board previews Act 42 student wireless-device policy; exemptions for Chromebooks and IEPs noted
Summary
The district presented a draft policy to comply with Wisconsin’s Act 42 requiring districts to adopt a student wireless communication-device policy by July 1; staff framed it as a symbolic first reading and said exemptions would include district-issued Chromebooks, emergency use, and IEP/504 accommodations.
At its June 5 meeting the New London School District Board reviewed a district draft policy intended to comply with Wisconsin’s Act 42, which requires school districts to adopt local policies addressing student wireless communication devices by July 1.
A presenter explained the draft would prohibit personal wireless devices during instructional time but includes the four categories the state requires: emergency or perceived threat; management of a student's health-care needs; accommodations spelled out in a student's individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan; and teacher-authorized educational uses. The presenter emphasized that district-issued Chromebooks would be exempt.
"This policy itself is being recognized as more of a symbolic action throughout the state," the presenter said, calling the board review a "pseudo first reading" and noting the district must submit confirmation to the Department of Public Instruction by Oct. 1. The presenter also said the board has 14 days to update the policy, if the board chooses, and return a revised submission to DPI.
Board members debated how strictly to enforce local rules beyond the state minimum. One member suggested exploring "stricter" local approaches and pointed to data and examples (including Hudson schools) that they said showed benefits from more comprehensive bans. Another member raised concerns and asked how devices used for medical or communication purposes under IEP/504 plans would be handled; staff explained assistive and communication devices are covered by those plans and would be accommodated.
The presenter urged the board that while the draft must be on file before July 1, the board could use handbook language to define building-level corrective actions and to develop stronger local expectations over time.
Why it matters: Act 42 sets a statewide deadline and minimum requirements; districts deciding to adopt stricter local rules will need to define handbook-level corrective actions, clarify IEP/504 exceptions, and plan family outreach before the school year.
Next steps: The draft will proceed toward a second reading; staff recommended returning a final or updated policy after board discussion and additional handbook language is developed.
