Board hears first reading of new student electronic‑device policy that would restrict phones during class

Pleasant Valley Community School District trustees reviewed the first reading of a new electronic‑device policy Monday that responds to a recent state law and would limit students’ access to cell phones during instructional time.

The draft policy — required by legislation effective July 1 — establishes building‑level expectations: high‑school students would normally keep phones in backpacks or in a designated area in the classroom or parking‑lot storage during class; junior‑high students would be expected to secure phones in lockers; and elementary students would generally keep phones in backpacks or classroom storage. The policy provides an exemption and appeal process for students with medical needs, individualized education program (IEP) requirements, or Section 504 accommodations.

“Tonight with legislation beginning July 1 now, we have to put in place a cell phone policy,” the presenter said, summarizing the requirement and how the regulation defines personal devices, exemptions and appeals.

Administrators described implementation plans developed with building leadership teams. At the high school, staff told the board the common approach would be for phones to remain in backpacks during class; if a phone is out, it could be left in a designated location such as a parking‑lot wall or a front‑of‑class storage area. Junior high students would primarily use lockers. Staff said violations would draw escalating responses from classroom reminders to administrative action for repeat offenses.

Directors discussed enforcement challenges. Several members raised watches and wireless earbuds as possible loopholes: “Some of the high‑school tech teachers…have said that the watches are almost more of a problem now than the phone,” one director said. Administrators said the current draft focuses on phones but leaves room for teachers and administrators to address other distracting devices if they become widespread.

Staff said they had not required pouches for devices this year and that the district is deliberately aiming for consistent building practices to avoid putting the onus solely on classroom teachers. The presenter said the policy had been vetted at building leadership team (BLT) meetings and that staff would gather further feedback from teachers and building administrators before the second reading.

The policy also includes recommended forms for medical or IEP‑related device exceptions and an appeal route if a request is denied. The board did not vote on the policy at first reading and asked staff to collect more information — including teacher feedback — and to consider whether watches should be treated like phones.

Administrators said they would invite assistant principals or other building leaders to a future meeting if the board wanted to hear implementation plans and teacher input directly.

The board scheduled follow‑up work: staff will return with teacher feedback and any recommended adjustments before the policy’s second reading.