Prince George board reviews draft cell-phone ban, asks staff to confirm timing

Dr. Martin presented a draft cell-phone policy the board will consider for action in November, saying the division is preparing to implement a statewide directive while protecting students who need devices for medical or disability-related reasons. "Students in grades 6 through 12 must keep their devices silent, not visible and stored in their backpack or another phone storage location during the school day," Dr. Martin said, adding that exemptions may be granted through a student's IEP, 504 plan or health-care plan.

The draft would require secondary students to keep phones out of reach during passing periods and lunch, and it would permit limited device use before or after school and at administrator-approved events. Dr. Martin described a phased awareness campaign and a progressive discipline model — warnings up to in-school suspension — and said the division plans to use lockboxes in administrative offices.

Board members pressed staff on timing and enforcement. One member asked whether the policy "has to be approved by Jan. 1 or just in place by then," and Dr. Martin said she would "confirm that detail" with the department and report back. Members also asked for clarity on how administrators would implement exemptions and how the division would communicate changes to families.

Dr. Martin said the board would receive the policy for action in the November meeting, and that staff will return with precise answers on the statutory deadline, the exemption process and the timeline for phased enforcement.