Interim superintendent outlines district 'bell‑to‑bell' cell phone policy; virtual town hall set for mid‑August

The Franklin Township interim superintendent briefed the board on a proposed district policy that would prohibit student use of cell phones and other internet‑enabled devices on school grounds during the school day, beginning with the 2026–27 school year.

"The policy which, in compliance with recent law, bans the use of cell phones and other Internet enabled devices by students in school during the school day beginning in the 26th, 27th school year," the interim superintendent said during the superintendent's report (speaker 9). The superintendent said Director of School Management provided a presentation in June and it is posted on the district website; a virtual town hall is planned for mid‑August to provide further details and answer community questions.

Board members and the policy subcommittee noted the policy will appear on the Aug. 27, 2026 board meeting agenda for review and potential approval. District administrators said they are communicating with families and school staff about implementation and will continue outreach before the start of the school year.

The board recorded the first reading of the revised policy (5516) as part of its consent agenda; the policy was emphasized for follow‑up and formal action at the August meeting.