Phones must be put away during the whole school day

What happened

On October 28, 2025 the board approved an updated personal electronic device policy (JFCEB) to meet Oregon's executive order. Students may not use phones, smartwatches or connected earbuds from the start to the end of instructional hours. Exceptions are allowed for a medical order, an IEP or 504 plan, or a written exemption. The policy took full effect January 1, 2026.

Why it matters to families

This changes the daily routine for every student. Families who need to reach a child during the day are told to go through the school office. Getting caught with a phone cannot by itself lead to suspension or lost class time.

The evidence

The approved October 28, 2025 minutes list JFCEB: Personal Electronic Devices on the consent agenda, approved 7-0. The policy text in the packet says use is 'prohibited from the start of regular instructional hours until the end of regular instructional hours' and that discipline for mere possession 'may not include loss of instructional time.' The packet version still shows bracketed options for where phones are stored.

The source