Board adopts 2026–27 academic standards and approves 'bell-to-bell' phone restriction in student handbooks

The Plymouth Joint School District board approved state academic standards and multiple handbook and policy updates for the 2026–27 school year.

Scott presented the recommendation to adopt the Wisconsin State academic standards for 2026–2027, noting the adoption is an annual requirement under Act 55 and that no substantive changes were proposed. The board moved to approve and voted in favor.

Board members reviewed revisions to the high school Orange Guide that would align academic-integrity language with guidance on appropriate classroom uses of artificial intelligence, update soft-skills expectations, and standardize staff listings. Scott said staff will provide final input before the guide goes to print. The board approved the Orange Guide for the upcoming school year.

During review of Policy 5136 and discussion of Act 89, board members addressed the district’s proposal to ban student use of personal communication devices during instructional time. "It would be bell to bell. Phones would need to be turned off, not just silenced and stored away," Scott said, describing the intended enforcement during school hours. The second and final reading of Policy 5136 and the related Act 89 acknowledgement passed on a board motion.

Board members also approved Riverview Middle School and elementary handbook updates. Riverview’s changes include aligning the honor-roll requirement with the high school (from 3.25 to 3.4); elementary updates reflected changes related to implementation of all-day 4K, including dismissal timing adjustments.

The board approved these handbook and policy items and moved on to personnel business.