Cell phone policy approved

During the last legislative session, the Minnesota Legislature directed all school districts to adopt a cell phone policy by March 15, 2025. In response, the School Board asked the community to provide feedback regarding student use of cell phones in schools. About 3,000 respondents completed a survey, and two community conversations attracted about 200 attendees.

This feedback was shared with a cell phone advisory committee made up of parents, students and staff. The group met three times last fall, and identified themes found in the responses and provided recommendations to the School Board at its December meeting.

At its meeting on March 6, the Board approved a policy effective March 15 that reflects the group’s recommendations:

Elementary schools

• Students should not access or use cell phones during school hours. 

Secondary (middle and high schools)

• Students should not access or use cell phones during scheduled academic class time or during activities/assemblies when instruction or information is being delivered.
• Secondary students may access and use cell phones during non-academic or unscheduled time during school hours.

Watch a brief video about the cell phone policy engagement process.