Twin Valley board asks administration to refine 'cellular devices' policy and move handbook updates forward

The Twin Valley School District Board directed administrators to refine a new student-device rule and return with implementation recommendations before the start of the school year.

At a regular meeting, the instruction and technology committee recommended revisions to the elementary, middle- and high-school handbooks that include tightening the district’s phone rule. Board members reached consensus to change the phrase “cell phones” to “cellular devices” throughout the handbook and asked administration to consult principals and prepare an administrative recommendation addressing parent opt-outs, wearable devices and medical or 504 exemptions. “I believe we're all in consensus to change it from cell phones to cellular devices throughout the language,” a board member said during the discussion.

Trustees debated details including whether smartwatches and other wearables should be covered, how lunchtime and middle-school cafeterias should be made as device-free as possible, and the logistics of allowing students to contact parents while in class. Board members underscored transportation-monitoring limits on buses and asked for a clear communication plan to families and substitutes describing any medical exceptions. The board voted by roll call to move the handbook changes forward for final consideration at the next meeting and requested administrators provide options for implementation and timing so the policy can be in place for the 2026–27 school year.