District news
Tighter cell phone rules: lunch and recess only, no photos or videos
What happened
On January 13, 2026 the board approved a new cell phone section in the student handbook. Phones may be used during the school day only at lunch and recess, and each school's administrator can limit that more. Students may not take photos or videos or share phones.
Why it matters to families
This changes what students can do with phones every day. A parent and a Goldfield teacher had asked for stricter rules in November, saying phones were a problem at recess.
The evidence
The January 13, 2026 board packet shows the old and new handbook text; the minutes record the unanimous approval.
The source
January 13, 2026 board packet (student handbook cell phone section)See the full record for Esmeralda County School District.
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