Board to vote on locking up student phones all school day
The board posted a draft "Away for the Day" resolution for public comment.
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Friday, November 13, 2026
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The policy desk
What’s moving in phones
The debate over phones, screens and the school day.
The policy desk
What’s moving in AI
How artificial intelligence is changing classrooms and school rules.
The policy desk
What’s moving in student voice
Students speaking up, organizing and helping shape their schools.
The news desk
Latest Michigan stories
Lake Linden-Hubbell School District
Middle and high school students must keep backpacks in lockers during the school day
The board approved a new rule requiring middle and high school students to store backpacks in their lockers during the school day. Students may retrieve them from their lockers between classes as needed.
Board edits cell phone rules in student handbooks
On August 24, 2026, the board approved 2026-27 student handbooks for early childhood through high school, but removed the first two sentences under Cell Phone Use. Michigan passed a school cell phone law earlier in 2026, and the board said it would need to update its policies.
Dexter Community School District
District prepares wireless-device rules for students
Dexter's August 24 board packet says administrators developed building rules for wireless communications devices based on updated Policy 5209.
Pewamo-Westphalia Community Schools
Phones must be off and put away during the school day
The new middle/high school handbook says phones, smartwatches and other personal devices must be off and kept in a locker or backpack from 8:03 a.m. to 2:57 p.m., following state law. High schoolers may check phones at their lockers between classes and at lunch, but middle schoolers may not. A third offense brings discipline.
New student handbooks for all schools
On August 10, 2026 the board approved new 2026-27 handbooks for all five schools, built on a shared districtwide template. The handbooks keep the superintendent's decision on short suspensions (10 days or less) as final, and add a new rule that work be completed before a planned absence.
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