Phones and smartwatches banned all school day and on the bus

What happened

The board approved the 2026-27 handbook on August 19, 2026. It says students may not use cell phones, smartwatches or any internet-connected device at any time during the school day, and the rule also applies on the school bus. This follows the board's updated cell phone policy (JICJ), re-approved June 17, 2026 for Maine's new bell-to-bell law.

Why it matters to families

Before, devices had to stay off in backpacks, but the rule did not name smartwatches. Now families should know that any device that connects to the internet is not allowed all day, and the superintendent called it non-negotiable. Exceptions exist for health needs such as diabetes monitoring or when an IEP or 504 plan requires a device.

The evidence

In the August 19, 2026 meeting recording, the superintendent explains the handbook's electronic-devices changes: it cites the state bell-to-bell law, adds smartwatches and anything that connects to the internet, and says the policy also covers the bus. The August 19 minutes record the 5-0 handbook approval; the June 17 minutes record the 4-0 re-approval of policy JICJ.

The source