Linn J4 students must turn phones fully off during the school day

What happened

Policy 5136, revised March 10, 2026, lets students use phones and other devices only before and after school while off district property. At other times they must be powered completely off and stored out of sight.

Why it matters to families

Powering off, not just silencing, is a stricter rule than many schools use, and it covers phones, smartwatches and other devices.

The evidence

The policy text says use at any other time is prohibited, with exceptions for a teacher, administrator or IEP team and for bus rides at the driver's or sponsor's discretion.

The source