School board leans toward banning phones all day at high schools
The Stillwater School Board moved toward a strict cell phone policy for high schools on February 4, directing staff to pursue a "Bell to Bell" approach that would prohibit personal electronic devices throughout the entire school day. The decision came as the board weighed competing concerns about student mental health and the practical challenges of enforcing such a ban.
During a first reading of Policy 54.5, the board discussed two options for high schools mandated by state legislation. Option 1, called "Bell to Bell," would ban phones from the moment students arrive until they leave. Option 2 would only restrict phones during instructional time, allowing use during passing periods and lunch. The board consensus favored Option 1, though no formal vote was taken.
Student representatives strongly supported the stricter approach, citing mental health benefits and improved school culture. "Our personal opinion is kind of the option one Bell to Bell just kind of gone for the day and just focus on learning and getting an education," said student Mason. Another student, Anley, noted that prohibiting phones during instructional time would help students focus when they "actually need to be learning."
Board members cited research linking excessive smartphone use among youth to increased anxiety, depression, and academic problems. However, implementation concerns emerged. Director Laow expressed caution, noting that phones are now part of everyday life and students need to learn responsible usage. "There's also a part of learning to navigate life with a phone because that will be part of your adulthood," he said. Superintendent Funk flagged another challenge: medical accommodations. He noted that some students and staff may have doctor's notes requiring phone access for anxiety management, which would complicate enforcement.
The board also presented Policy 505, a new free speech policy governing distribution of non-school materials by students and employees. No formal vote was taken on this first reading. Board members raised questions about potential conflicts with the district's existing identity harm protocol and whether students and staff should face different rules due to power dynamics. The policy will return to committee for further review.
Minor modifications to two existing policies, 519 and 701, were approved on the consent agenda. The board also received updates on federal issues including increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity, and pending state legislation on reading instruction and sex education curriculum requirements.
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Full analysis
Votes (2)
First Reading: Policy 505 - Distribution of Non-School Sponsored Materials on School Premises by Students and Employees
Dissent: None
The policy committee presented Policy 505, a new MSBA model policy addressing free speech rights for students and employees while maintaining educational objectives. Key points included definitions of prohibited materials (e.g., obscene, libelous, disruptive) and the process for administrative review. Board members raised questions about potential conflicts with the existing identity harm protocol and whether a power differential between students and staff should lead to different policies.
First Reading: Policy 54.5 - Personal Electronic Communication Devices
Dissent: Director Laow expressed leaning towards Option 2; Director Parker raised several implementation concerns that would need to be addressed.
This policy, a state legislative mandate, aims to limit personal electronic devices (PEC devices) in schools to improve student behavior, mental health, and academic attainment. Options were presented for high schools: 'Bell to Bell' prohibition (Option 1) or prohibition only during instructional time (Option 2), with elementary and middle schools adopting the 'Bell to Bell' approach. Student representatives largely favored Option 1 due to mental health benefits, improved school culture, and increased engagement. Board members leaned towards Option 1, acknowledging implementation challenges and the need for clear procedures, while some expressed caution about navigating life with phones.
Notable Quotes (7)
The purpose of this policy is to protect an exercise students and employees Free Speech rights taking into consideration the educational objectives and responsibilities of the school district.
If it's not in that c in fall into one of those categories it would be okay which seems like there are some categories of overlap of what's okayed by this that might cause some consternation on identity harm protocol so that's a question want to think about and then second is is there a power differential between um a student handing something out or posting something and a teacher handing something out and posting something and should that be considered should there be a different policy or should those entities be treated differently
So I think doing prohibiting them during instructional time would be most beneficial because they're not on their phone when they actually need to be learning and educated
Our personal opinion is kind of the option one Bell to Bell just kind of gone for the day and just focus on learning and getting an education and just being engaged with school and I think that would also um improve our culture a little bit better just a school culture
I have a note from my doctor saying I need to have my cell phone on me because of the anxiety that I have and so it's that's some of the things that we are going to have to be if if we go to the Bell the Bell Route that's another thing that will pop up that we will be having to do guaranteed
Excess smartphones any studies that you look at you know among youth is linked to increased anxiety depression hindrance to academic instruction and learning and other mental health issues but yet we have an opportunity and the responsibility as a school board to do what we feel is best for students and and for me I I think it's important to um you know and I'll be supporting option one for the Bell to Bell
I would love for that to be in place and to work will it work so do we need to just give it a little bit um of room a kid going between Class phones are part of life now when I went to school we didn't have phones so sure we we could get by without phones but it wasn't an option uh but now everybody has phones and there's also a part of learning to navigate life with a phone because that will be part of your adulthood and if you have them in passing time hopefully you won't use it but you might need to put an assignment on your calendar um or quick look up something for class the next hour
Ordinances & Resolutions (14)
Minor modification to a current policy, passed on consent agenda.
Minor modification to a current policy, passed on consent agenda.
New MSBA model policy regarding the distribution of non-school sponsored materials on school premises by students and employees, presented for first reading.
Existing district protocol raised for potential conflict with Policy 505 regarding offensive materials.
New policy regarding personal electronic communication devices, mandated by state legislation, presented for first reading and board direction on high school options.
Documented plan for students with disabilities, identified as a potential exception to the personal electronic communication device policy.
Federal law providing accommodations for students with disabilities, identified as a potential exception to the personal electronic communication device policy.
Plan for students with medical conditions, identified as a potential exception to the personal electronic communication device policy.
A book referenced by a board member during the discussion on the impact of cell phones on student mental health.
The district's strategic plan, referenced as a guiding 'North Star' for policy decisions, particularly regarding student well-being and engagement.
A long-term evaluation tool mentioned for measuring the effectiveness of the personal electronic communication device policy.
Proposed state legislation requiring science-based reading instruction and expanding teacher/para-professional training.
Proposed state legislation modifying parental curriculum review rights and requiring written consent for sexual education.
Existing state law with proposed amendments to allow unlimited remote participation in government meetings with fewer restrictions.
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Federal Programs Update
State Legislative Update
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