Henrico schools propose stricter cellphone rules to align with new state law
May 15, 2026 | HENRICO CO PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia
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Henrico County School administrators on May 14 told the School Board they will revise the division's student code of conduct to align with a recently signed state law that prohibits student cellphone and smart-device use on school property from arrival until dismissal.
Dr. Inger Grant, who presented the recommended text, said the draft removes teacher-discretion language and adds clarity that the only exceptions will be students with an IEP, 504 plan or health care plan that requires device use. "No devices. Period," Dr. Grant said when board members pressed on whether earbuds or smartwatches would be allowed.
The proposed code also states that a student "would not be suspended or expelled solely" for possession or use of a cell phone or smart device, while preserving other disciplinary consequences when device use accompanies other violations, Dr. Grant said. To support schools, she added, "school administrators will continue to receive in-depth training during summer professional learning" and the division will provide guidance documents, signage and family communications.
Board members pressed on practical issues. Miss Atkins asked whether storage containers are available for elementary schools; Dr. Grant replied that containers are provided to secondary schools but can be supplied to elementary schools on request. Mister Young asked whether AirPods, headphones or devices worn around the neck would be permitted; Dr. Grant replied bluntly, "No devices. Period."
Members also raised questions about enforcement in cafeterias, hallways and on buses, and whether first-offense consequences should focus on restorative service rather than parental pick-up. Dr. Grant said implementation will be coordinated with principals and safety staff and that guidance about documenting violations and minimizing disruption to instruction is being developed.
The board will consider final approval of the code revisions at its June 11 meeting so changes can take effect for the 2026–27 school year, administration said.
What happens next: The School Board will receive the final recommended edits at its June meeting; administrators said they will provide updated guidance and training materials to principals, teachers and families over the summer to support consistent implementation.
Dr. Inger Grant, who presented the recommended text, said the draft removes teacher-discretion language and adds clarity that the only exceptions will be students with an IEP, 504 plan or health care plan that requires device use. "No devices. Period," Dr. Grant said when board members pressed on whether earbuds or smartwatches would be allowed.
The proposed code also states that a student "would not be suspended or expelled solely" for possession or use of a cell phone or smart device, while preserving other disciplinary consequences when device use accompanies other violations, Dr. Grant said. To support schools, she added, "school administrators will continue to receive in-depth training during summer professional learning" and the division will provide guidance documents, signage and family communications.
Board members pressed on practical issues. Miss Atkins asked whether storage containers are available for elementary schools; Dr. Grant replied that containers are provided to secondary schools but can be supplied to elementary schools on request. Mister Young asked whether AirPods, headphones or devices worn around the neck would be permitted; Dr. Grant replied bluntly, "No devices. Period."
Members also raised questions about enforcement in cafeterias, hallways and on buses, and whether first-offense consequences should focus on restorative service rather than parental pick-up. Dr. Grant said implementation will be coordinated with principals and safety staff and that guidance about documenting violations and minimizing disruption to instruction is being developed.
The board will consider final approval of the code revisions at its June 11 meeting so changes can take effect for the 2026–27 school year, administration said.
What happens next: The School Board will receive the final recommended edits at its June meeting; administrators said they will provide updated guidance and training materials to principals, teachers and families over the summer to support consistent implementation.
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