Phones go away all day at elementary, K-8 and middle schools

What happened

On June 9, 2026 the board voted 6-1 to revise Board Policy 5131.8 on mobile communication devices so that students at elementary, K-8 and middle schools may not use phones for the entire school day, gate to gate. High schools were deliberately left alone: staff recommended no change there. The work began in January 2026, when board members asked staff to look at all-day restrictions, and a survey in May found strong support for them in the younger grades but much weaker support at high schools.

Why it matters to families

This changes the ordinary school day for every student below high school in the district. Barrett Middle School, which already ran a gate-to-gate rule, told the board it was simple to enforce and improved student activities, safety and behaviour. Families need to know the rule now differs by grade level, and that several board members said they want to revisit the high school policy later.

The evidence

The approved minutes of the June 9, 2026 regular meeting record item I-2, the presentation of the May survey results, the Barrett Middle School experience, and the motion by Mr. Stanekzai seconded by Mr. Avey carrying 6-1, with Mr. Perez voting no. The minutes also record that staff made no recommendation to change the high school policy.

The source