In October, the BSD community — including students, parents/guardians and staff were asked to complete surveys about cell phone use in schools. This feedback can be found in the lower righthand corner of this page. Schools held additional opportunities for engagement throughout the district.

From that engagement, five main themes emerged:

• Need for enhanced learning and focus - minimize distractions and focus on person-to-person communication skills
• Need for balanced and uniform approach - use of technology for academic purposes and promotion of appropriate technology use
• Focus on positive school culture - fostering self-control and responsible technology use; promoting safety and in-person connections
• Emphasis on mental and physical health - reducing screen time, which supports students' mental health, lowers anxiety and encourages in-the-moment presence
• Consideration of safety and connection - creation of a plan that includes the ability to connect in emergency situations

A district committee recommended implementing "Park It or Pack It" guidelines for next school year:

• All students are required to "pack or park" their cell phones and electronic devices (including smart watches and earbuds), during the school day as determined by level.
• "Pack" means storing the device in a backpack, locker or other designated area.
• "Park" means placing the device in a designated area within the classroom or school premises.

The recommendations for level distinction are as follows:

• Grades Pre K-8:
  • Students must have their devices packed or parked from the start of the school day until the end of the school day.
  • Devices must remain off or in silent mode and may not be accessed during school hours, including recess, passing periods and lunch breaks.
• High School and Option Schools (grades 6-12)
  • During class time, devices must be packed or parked and remain off or in silent mode.
  • Students may access their devices during passing periods and lunch breaks, acknowledging the fact that students sometimes need to receive information about after-school sports or activities.

Students who don't comply with the district policy may be subject to consequences as outlined in the district's Student Code of Conduct, including having their personal devices held for parent pick-up. Exceptions will be made to accommodate students' Individual Education Plans (IEP), 504 plans or other requirements to access the educational programming at school.

This policy goes into effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The district is continuing work on determining guidelines for cell phone use during a school emergency.