MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Two Reno County school districts are outlining how they will implement Kansas' new statewide "bell-to-bell" student cell phone restrictions when classes resume this fall.
USD 313 Buhler and USD 308 Hutchinson recently sent letters to staff and families explaining changes required under House Bill 2299, a bipartisan law passed by the Kansas Legislature that requires all public school districts to adopt policies limiting student use of personal electronic communication devices during the school day.
Under the new law, students may not use or access personal electronic devices—including cell phones, tablets, smartwatches and wireless earbuds or headphones—from the beginning of the school day until dismissal. The restrictions apply during class time, passing periods, lunch and recess.
Both districts told families that personal devices must remain powered off and inaccessible throughout the school day.
The law also requires schools to provide students access to school telephones or other school-designated communication devices if they need to contact a parent or guardian. Parents needing to reach their child during the school day are asked to contact the school office.
District officials said disciplinary procedures for violations will be outlined in student handbooks before the start of the school year. Limited exceptions are allowed for documented medical needs approved by a licensed physician or when required under a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
House Bill 2299 also places new restrictions on communication between school employees and students. Staff members are prohibited from privately communicating with students through personal social media accounts for official school business. Instead, districts must use monitored communication platforms or district email.
USD 308 announced it will use the "Rooms" feature within the Apptegy platform to meet the new communication requirements. Parents will receive instructions before the school year begins on setting up accounts through the Hutch App.
In letters to families, both districts acknowledged the adjustment may be challenging but cited research indicating that reducing digital distractions can decrease social media anxiety, encourage more face-to-face interaction among students and improve classroom focus.
USD 308 approved their cell phone policy during their meeting on June 22. The USD 313 Board of Education will meet on Monday evening, the discussion and approval of their policy is on the agenda.
House Bill 2299 requires every Kansas public school district to adopt policies governing student electronic devices and employee communication with students and certify compliance to the Kansas State Board of Education by Sept. 1, 2026. The law takes effect for the 2026-27 school year.