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Board hears plan to implement statewide "bell-to-bell" cell-phone ban; questions remain on logistics
Summary
Administrators told the Cascade SD 5 board the governor's executive order requires a K–12 "bell-to-bell" ban on cell phones and directed districts to adopt policy by Oct. 31 and implement by Jan. 1; the board discussed enforcement, IEP exceptions and lunchtime logistics.
Administration informed trustees that the governor's executive order effectively requires a district policy banning cell phones from "bell to bell" in K–12 settings. "The new rule is from bell to bell, no cell phone," the superintendent said, and added the board must adopt a policy by Oct. 31 with implementation by Jan. 1.
Board members and staff discussed practical challenges and exceptions. Administrators cited special-education exceptions (IEPs), students needing medical monitors, and alternatives such as using school devices or other accommodations. The superintendent said confiscation is now allowed under the law in some circumstances: "It is also now legal to take their phone and hold on to it." Trustees asked about logistics during passing time, lunchtime on large campuses, field trips and whether costlier enforcement tools (RFID-blocking pouches) were feasible. Administration said they will bring a draft policy for board consideration and more planning is expected.
