Superintendent: District to adopt policy after governor's cell-phone executive order; board to review draft in September

Superintendent Joel said the district will present a draft policy in September after Gov. Tina Kotek's July executive order requires school districts to ban personal devices during instructional hours. "The board will need to adopt by law a new policy around, cell phones by October 31 of this school year," the superintendent said, adding the district expects to implement the policy by Jan. 1.

The order requires districts to specify how devices will be stored during the day and to include exemptions for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans. The superintendent told the board that K-8 schools in the district already comply but the district must revise high-school practices that currently allow phone use during passing periods and lunch.

Board members and high-school staff raised logistical and equity concerns. "There's some kids that are borderline: their cell phone needs to be in contact with their parents for childcare or an employer," high-school administrator Jake said. Board members asked how the policy would account for medical needs, sibling and childcare communications, and students who work during the day.

The superintendent said the district will review model policy language from the Oregon School Boards Association and bring a draft to the board's September meeting for a first reading and board feedback, with a target for formal adoption in October to meet the executive-order deadline. He also warned the board the timing of the governor's release in July has complicated rollout and that legal challenges or further guidance are possible; he noted Division 22 reporting rules could affect compliance timelines.

Discussion items the board asked staff to address in the draft policy included: how exemptions for medical and IEP/504 needs will be handled; discipline and escalation procedures for noncompliance; procedures to avoid excluding students from instructional time; the treatment of wearable devices (watches); and a communications plan so parents and students understand the changes. The superintendent said the board's October meeting is the likeliest venue for adoption, with implementation expected after winter break.