Eagle Point SD 9 board adopts new personal electronic device policy; packet contains conflicting effective dates

The Eagle Point School District 9 Board of Directors on Sept. 24 approved a revised Personal Electronic Devices policy (JFCEB) intended to implement Oregon Executive Order 25-09 and ORS 336.840.

The policy requires students to power off and securely store personal electronic devices during regular instructional hours, with limited exceptions for medical needs, individualized education programs and written school exemptions. It establishes an exemption process (JFCEB-AR), a stepwise discipline procedure for noncompliance and guidance that devices used for curricular activities must not impose costs on students.

Board member and presenter Mrs. Shehorn recommended approval and told the board that "The updated policy will take effect on September 24, 2025, with immediate implementation." The packet also contains policy text that states, in a bracketed clause, "[This policy takes effect on January 1, 2026.]" That inconsistency appears in the materials distributed to the board and will require administrative clarification on the official implementation date and transition steps.

Key policy details in the packet include: required storage or powering-off of devices during instructional hours; an exemption form process with a ten-day response timeline; allowed use for medical or IEP reasons; and a multi-step discipline ladder (first offense: device held and returned; subsequent offenses: escalating lunch detentions and parent pick-up). The policy cites ORS 336.840 and references EO 25-09 as the state directive prompting board action.

The board voted to adopt the revised JFCEB language as presented in the packet. District staff said they will publish final wording and an implementation plan on the district website and in school handbooks once the effective date is administratively confirmed.