Webster County Board places draft cell-phone policy on 30-day public comment after detailed logistics and discipline debate

The Webster County Board of Education voted to put a draft revision of its personal electronic device policy (policy 5136) out for 30 days of public comment, following a lengthy discussion about how to comply with West Virginia Code 18-2-46.

Board presenter (S3) told members the statutory changes require the district to restrict personal devices except when medically necessary and to include discipline language in the policy. "We addressed this policy back in January, and we made changes to it," the presenter said, adding that "the majority of this policy is coming verbatim from state code." The presenter repeatedly stressed the document was a draft and not a final adoption: "This is a draft. We are not approving any policy tonight."

The board wrestled with practical questions about securing devices during the school day. Staff showed a sample clear storage case and described vendor quotes including "$18 per case" and unlocking stations at about "$30 a piece." One board member estimated district equipment needs at roughly "$11,000" for initial purchases and said staff would obtain multiple vendor quotes for procurement. The presenter also noted larger pouch solutions ("Yonder pouches") would likely cost more and that the district must gather at least three quotes for accounting purposes.

Members debated whether student lockers would meet the statute efinition of a "locking container." The presenter asked the board to consider grade-level differences, proposing that primary students (pre-K through 5) not be allowed to bring phones on campus, while older students (grades 6—) might be permitted if schools provide secure storage. "If we can avoid kicking kids out of school, let's avoid it at all costs," the presenter said in reference to the proposed discipline approach.

On enforcement, the draft outlines progressive discipline: initial responses such as lunch detention or in-school suspension for repeat offenses, parent pick-up requirements for confiscated phones, receipts documenting phone condition, and possible 45-day placement in an alternative learning center for severe or repeated violations. The policy includes exemptions for medically necessary devices and for approved work-based learning programs that require student access to a device for authentication or coursework.

The presenter asked for permission to publish notice and open a 30-day public comment period; the board approved that request as part of the new-business slate. The presenter said the district will publish the draft, collect public feedback, and return to the board with summarized comments before a final vote.

Next steps: The draft will be posted for 30 days for community comment; staff will collect vendor quotes and report back on costs, locker availability, and transportation implications before the board considers final adoption.