photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Superintendent Jeanice Swift and Bob Byers, school board president, attend the board meeting on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.

Lawrence school board members unanimously approved a new bell-to-bell cellphone and personal device ban ahead of the 2026-2027 school year to comply with state law.

The policy applies to all pre-K through 12th grade students, and states that cellphones and other personal communication devices are “prohibited during the school day.” Students will be responsible for turning off their devices and storing them in an inaccessible location during the entire school day, as the Journal-World reported.

The new policy will not apply to all devices, only students’ personal devices. In the upcoming school year, students will be able to use district-issued devices for instructional purposes directed by staff and teachers.

At the school board’s meeting on Monday, Superintendent Jeanice Swift said the policy will involve significant changes for students and staff.

Board member Kelly Jones said she wanted to amend the policy to clarify that the use of personal electronic communication devices is prohibited in restrooms, locker rooms and changing areas at all hours of the day – not just during the hours of the school day. All board members were supportive of the change.

With the passage of the new policy, the previous policy, which was implemented in December 2024, was retired. The Journal-World posted a list of frequently asked questions regarding the new policy, and it can be viewed here.