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South Umpqua board hears plan to implement statewide "bell-to-bell" cell phone ban
Summary
Superintendent Erika Bare told the board an executive order requires districts to implement a bell-to-bell student cell phone ban by Jan. 1, 2026; OSBA will supply a sample policy by Aug. 1 and the district plans to review enforcement at the September meeting.
Superintendent Erika Bare told the South Umpqua School District board on July 14 that the governor has issued an executive order directing all districts in Oregon to implement a "bell-to-bell" student cell phone ban, with districts required to have policy in place by Jan. 1, 2026. She said the Oregon School Boards Association will provide a sample policy by Aug. 1 and that she will bring a district policy draft to the board in September for review.
Board member Jeff Johnson said he was dissatisfied with the state mandate and asked what would happen if the board declined to adopt a policy that matched the state's requirements. Superintendent Bare said she is researching the consequences, including whether the requirement could become a Division 22 assurance, and that COSA is also looking into the matter. The district plans to meet with high school administrators to discuss enforcement details and will communicate expectations to families before implementation.
Why it matters: The policy will change daily routines for secondary students and requires administrative decisions about enforcement during passing periods and lunch, where the district currently allows phone use outside class. The board directed administration to return with a proposed policy and more information about compliance risks and enforcement options in the September meeting.
