Cellphone use policy approved by Board of Education

On June 3, 2025, our Board of Education passed Policy 4318 Student Use of Personal Wireless Communication Devices. Per the policy, student personal devices must be silenced and put away during instructional time.

On July 1, 2025, Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 959 into law. This law requires school districts to adopt policies prohibiting students from "using, displaying, or having a wireless communication device turned on" during instructional time.

Our Board of Education was required to align the language of its existing policy with the state law by January 2026. On December 2, 2025 the Board updated language in Policy 4318 to align with the state law. 

Under the policy, all student personal devices must be turned off and away during instructional time. 

Our initial policy was put into place after months of gathering feedback from teachers, students, administrators, and families, as well as conducting focus groups with key partners across the district. The goal is to support a healthy, focused, and safe learning environment for all students.

What families need to know

Why the policy was created

We aim to promote positive digital habits, enhance student focus in classrooms, and support student well-being by minimizing distractions during the school day.

Who this affects

All students in elementary, middle, and high schools.

What the policy says

Elementary and Middle School Students

• Can bring personal devices to school.
• Devices must be turned off and away between morning and afternoon bells.
• “Put away” means out of sight and not easily accessible (ex., in a backpack or locker).
• Exceptions are allowed for health plans, communication needs, emergencies, administrator-approved translations, safety plans, or assistive communication.

High School Students

• Similar rules apply - devices must be turned off and away during instructional time.
• Teachers may allow device use for lessons.
• Exceptions are allowed for health plans, communication needs, emergencies, administrator-approved translations, safety plans, or assistive communication.

On School Buses

• Students may use devices, but volume must be low and headphones used. Drivers can limit device use if safety is a concern.

If a student uses a device when they shouldn't

• They will get a verbal warning first.
• If the behavior continues, the device may be taken away temporarily.
• Parents will be contacted if it becomes a pattern.

Important Notes

• Students are responsible for keeping their own devices safe.
• The school system is not responsible for lost or stolen devices.
• Any student device may be searched if there is a reasonable suspicion about a rule being broken.
• No permission is required for a student to use a personal device to call 911.

Policy 4318: Student Use of Personal Wireless Communication Devices