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Cell Phone Guidance

JFCEB - Personal Electronic Devices

Code: JFCEB 
Adopted: 8/13/97
Re-adopted: 2/10/10; 11/16/22; 10/22/2025
Orig. Code: JFCEB

Student  use of a personal electronic device is prohibited during instructional hours, except as provided in this policy.  Personal electronic devices may be permitted outside of instructional hours as set forth in this policy and consistent with any additional school rules established by the principal and approved by the Superintendent.

A “personal electronic device” is a device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing and/or displaying information and data.

“Independent communication” means communication that does not require assistance or interpretation by an individual who is not part of the communication but that may require the use or assistance of an electronic device.

Personal electronic devices shall be silenced and physically out of sight during instructional or class time or at any other time where such use of the device would cause a disruption of school activities. Devices which have the capability to take photographs or record video or audio shall not be used for such purposes while on district property and while a student is engaged in district-sponsored activities, unless as expressly authorized in advance by the principal or designee. Computers, tablets, iPad or similar devices brought to school will be restricted to academic activities and independent communications.  

Personal electronic devices may be used outside of instructional time when the use complies with the following:

  1.  A medical physician, i.e. D.O., M.D., or P.A. orders the use for care or treatment of medical conditions;
  2. The use is a part of a student’s individualized education program (IEP), as defined in ORS 343.035 or an education plan developed for the student in accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), under applicable laws;[1]
  3. When the use is not disruptive to specific school regulations concerning disruptive activity established by the principal and approved by the superintendent; or
  4. A written request for exemption  submitted by the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) based on health, safety or potential family emergency reasons.

A process for responding to the parent’s request to use a personal electronic device, including an appeal process, if the request is denied, will be provided.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for using a personal electronic device in any manner that is academically dishonest, illegal, or violates the terms of this policy. Personal electronic devices brought to district property or used in violation of this policy are subject to confiscation and will be released to the student’s parent or property owner, as appropriate.

Students in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Discipline for mere possession or use of a personal electronic device may not include loss of instructional time for the student; it could, however, include mandatory storage requirements for the device.

The district will not be liable for personal electronic devices brought to district property and district-sponsored activities.

Students may not access social media sites using district equipment, while on district property or at district-sponsored activities unless the access is approved by a district representative. The district will not be liable for information or comments posted by students on social media websites.

The superintendent or designee shall ensure this policy is posted on the district website and made available to district personnel, students, parents, guardians, partners who are in school buildings during the school day, and the Oregon Department of Education.

The superintendent shall ensure that the Board’s policy and any subsequent school rules developed by building administrators are reviewed and approved in advance to ensure consistency with this policy and that pertinent provisions of policy and rules are communicated to students and parents through building handbooks and other means.

Requests for exemptions to this policy can be processed in accordance with JFCEB-AR, Request for Personal Electronic Devices Exemption. Appeals can be filed in accordance with KL-AR(1) – Public Complaint Procedure.

This policy takes effect on January 1, 2026.