As some of you may already be aware, on Wednesday, July 9, Governor Kehoe signed Senate Bill 68 which includes a provision around students possessing or using electronic personal communications devices while at school.

The exact language of the bill is stated below:

‘Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, each school district and charter school shall adopt a written policy regarding students' possession or use of electronic personal communication devices. Such a policy shall be designed to promote students' educational interests and ensure a safe, effective working environment for staff and volunteers. The act defines an "electronic personal communications device" as a portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically.

At a minimum, the policy shall prohibit students from using or displaying these devices from the beginning until the end of the school day, including, but not limited to, during instructional time, meal times, breaks, time between classes, and study halls. The policy shall also outline disciplinary procedures for violations and include exceptions for students who need devices due to specific educational or health needs, such as individualized education plans or 504 plans under federal law. Exceptions may allow device use in emergencies, as defined in the act, or for authorized educational purposes. The policy shall be published on the school district's or charter school's website, and school employees or volunteers shall be immune from liability if they act in good faith and follow the policy's disciplinary procedures.’

By limiting access to personal devices during the school day, students will enjoy the benefits of a focused mind free from distractions. We believe this growth and development will actually aid students in making similar decisions about healthy technology use outside of school hours.

To protect learning time and foster positive student development, all Union R-XI schools will become personal device-free from the beginning (students walk through the school doors) until the end of the school day (students walk out the school doors). This means:

• Students may not use or display cell phones, smartwatches, smartglasses, wireless earbuds/headphones, tablets or personal laptops at any point during the school day, including transitions, lunch and other non-instructional times.

• Students will use district-provided devices for learning. Personally owned tablets or laptops will not be permitted as substitutes for school-issued devices.

In addition to reducing digital distractions, this policy aligns with our ongoing commitment to providing a safe, supportive learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We remain proactive in evaluating and updating our policies and procedures to best serve our students and school community.

Thank you for partnering with us to support student learning, safety and well-being.