A proposed district-wide cell phone policy aimed at reducing classroom distractions and promoting responsible technology use was presented to the USD 308 Board of Education on Monday night—but a final decision will have to wait.
Superintendent Dawn Johnson introduced the new guidelines, which cover the use of cell phones, headphones, AirPods, and earbuds across all grade levels. The policy was drafted following a review of survey feedback from parents, students, and staff, which highlighted concerns about classroom interruptions and inconsistent enforcement.
Under the proposed policy, elementary students would be required to keep phones and headphones turned off and stored in backpacks during the entire school day. Middle school students would follow a similar rule, with devices kept in backpacks or lockers. High school and alternative school students would be allowed to carry phones but would be expected to keep them out of sight and on silent during class. They would be permitted to use devices before and after school, during lunch, and between classes.
The policy also includes exceptions for students with documented medical or educational needs, as outlined in IEPs or 504 plans.
Board members expressed support for a more structured policy but raised additional concerns—particularly about smartwatches and recording glasses. While there was unanimous agreement that recording glasses posed privacy issues, opinions differed on smartwatches, which some students use for fitness tracking or health monitoring.
Due to these unresolved questions, the board voted unanimously to table the policy discussion until its next meeting.
The proposed policy remains under consideration, with further revisions possible before a final vote.