JCDC: Student Personal Electronic Communications Devices

Students are prohibited from using or accessing personal electronic communication devices during the school day while on district owned or operated property, except as expressly permitted by this policy or by law.

This policy does not apply to any virtual school, as defined by Kansas law.

When personal electronic communication device use is not permitted, students are allowed reasonable access to a school-provided telephone or communication device during the school day to contact a parent or person acting as a parent.

Device Storage

All student personal electronic communication devices shall be powered off and securely stored away from the student's person in an inaccessible location during the school day, unless an exception applies to this requirement as specified in this policy.

Students may choose not to bring personal electronic communication devices to school by leaving such devices at home or in a vehicle, including a vehicle located on school premises. As students will not have the ability to access or use such devices during the school day, students are encouraged to leave any personal electronic communication devices not necessary for the implementation of their Individualized Education Program (hereafter "IEP") or Section 504 accommodation plan (hereafter "504 plan"), communication during their commute to or from school, for work, or learning experience that is not located on the school premises at home. If students elect to leave such devices in their vehicle, students are encouraged to lock their vehicles to protect against theft of or damage to the devices.

Kansas law provides that the board, school district employees, and/or any agents thereof shall not be liable for any damage to personal electronic communication devices or for storage of such devices that are brought to school.

The superintendent or superintendent's designee(s) shall develop procedures to ensure all personal electronic communication devices are turned off and securely stored away from the student's person in an inaccessible location during the school day. Such procedures shall be included in student handbooks as adopted by the board and communicated to students and parents/guardians as deemed appropriate by district administration.

Definitions

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

• "Personal electronic communication device" is any wireless electronic communication device that both provides for voice, text, or video communication between two or more parties, including, but not limited to, a mobile or cellular phone, tablet, computer, watch, wireless headphones or earbuds, text messaging device, or personal digital assistant; and is not owned or issued to students by the school district.
• "School day" is the time from the start of school until dismissal at the end of the day on the school premises, including, but not limited to, the time in any classroom, structured or unstructured learning setting, recess, lunch or passing period. The term "school day" excludes any time associated with a student's travel to or from a learning experience that is not located on the school premises, including any postsecondary educational course, career technical education course, work-based learning program, or other alternative educational opportunity.

Permitted Exception

A student may be permitted to use a personal electronic communication device during the school day under the following circumstances.

• Any student may use a personal electronic communication device during the school day if it is the intervention of last resort such that there is no other reasonable alternative option available for such student, and the use is either:
  • Required for the implementation of a student's IEP or 504 plan; or
  • Approved by a licensed physician as a medical necessity to support the health or well-being of the student.

Use During School-Sponsored Activities Before and After the School Day

Students [may/shall not] use or access personal electronic communication devices during school-sponsored activities, programs, or events occurring before and after the regular school day, subject to district-approved procedures, event-specific rules, and staff direction.

Enforcement and Disciplinary Action

Violations of this policy [may/shall] result in disciplinary action in accordance with the district's student code of conduct. Disciplinary measures may include, but are not limited to, confiscation of the device through the end of the school day, referral to administration for determination of appropriate consequence, parental notification, or other appropriate disciplinary response, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion from school.

Discipline shall be applied in a nondiscriminatory manner and shall not interfere with rights provided under an IEP, 504 plan, or applicable law.

Administrative Procedures and Directives

The superintendent or designee(s) may develop administrative procedures and provide directives necessary to ensure consistent implementation of this policy and any board approved regulations and handbooks across district buildings, so long as such procedures and directives are not in conflict with board approved policy, regulation, or handbook language.