Kimball board debates districtwide cellphone ban in schools; policy draft to return in June

Kimball Public Schools administrators presented a proposed districtwide cell-phone policy and told the board they will bring formal language for initial approval in June.

A building representative described current practice: phones are restricted in classrooms but allowed before and after school and at lunch in some buildings. She recommended stricter, districtwide language requiring phones be turned off and stored in lockers from arrival until dismissal, with no access during class or lunch. “If they're gonna bring their phone to school, it will be turned off, put in their locker until the end of the school day, no access at all in the school day,” the speaker said.

Supporters said a consistent policy would reduce classroom distractions and encourage socialization during lunch; opponents and coaches raised practical concerns about parent contact on trips and the need for coach discretion during transportation. Administration suggested reasonable exceptions for extracurricular travel when a coach or sponsor approves access and recommended a consistent enforcement approach rather than building-by-building variation.

The board specifically discussed enforcement mechanisms (confiscation policies for repeat offenses) and expanding restrictions to smartwatches and wireless earbuds. Administration recommended a first-offense confiscation returned to students, with subsequent offenses requiring parent pick-up; further specifics and cooperating language will be included in the draft policy to be presented in June.

No final vote was taken; board members indicated support for a consistent district policy and asked administrators to prepare wording that balances safety, supervision and parental communication needs.