photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Lawrence school board members meet on Monday, July 27, 2026.

The Lawrence school board is expected to approve a new policy in August to comply with a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones in schools that’s mandated by state law.

On Monday, school board members had their first reading of the district’s new policy for wireless electronic communication devices, such as cellphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, wireless headphones or earbuds, along with other text messaging devices.

The proposed policy applies to all pre-K through 12th grade students, and states that cellphones and other devices are “prohibited during the school day.” The devices are required to be turned off and stored in an inaccessible location during the entire school day.

This doesn’t apply to all devices, though — only students’ personal devices. In the upcoming school year, students would be able to use district-issued devices for instructional purposes directed by staff and teachers.

There would be some exceptions to the policy. Students with disabilities or other special educational needs would be allowed to use a personal communication device during the school day if that were required by their Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Plan, and an exception could also be permitted if it were deemed medically necessary by a licensed physician.

In the case of an emergency, students would be required to follow the direction of school personnel. “Communication with emergency responders or family members shall occur as directed by school staff,” the proposed policy reads.

photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Superintendent Jeanice Swift is pictured on Monday, July 27, 2026.

The proposed policy was created in response to a new state law, House Bill 2299. The law creates a bell-to-bell ban on student use of personal electronic devices during the school day, meaning students can’t use cellphones, smartwatches, earbuds or similar devices from the first bell to dismissal.

“With the implementation of (the new policy), Lawrence Public Schools will join all Kansas school districts in implementing a cellphone-free school environment, extending throughout the school day for all pre-K through 12 students, across all campuses,” Swift told board members on Monday.

The board has already taken some steps to tighten the rules on cellphone use in the district. Board members approved a policy in December 2024 that prohibits cellphone and electronic device use during class time, unless it is for a specific instructional purpose, as directed by a teacher. High school students have been allowed to use their devices during noninstructional activities, such as lunch and passing periods.

At the middle and elementary school levels, students are not allowed to use cellphones or other devices during the scheduled school day. The district has exceptions to this policy for students in the case of emergencies and documented medical needs.

The district didn’t issue an outright ban on cellphones and other electronic devices because “a ban would limit students’ ability to use phones for safety before and after school. The policy seeks a balance,” according to a fact sheet on the 2024 changes.

The implementation of the new policy means the current one would be retired, board member Shannon Kimball said.

Board member GR Gordon-Ross said he liked the new policy the way it was written, and he also was glad that it emphasized it would be each student’s responsibility to handle their own devices.

However, Board President Bob Byers said that could be challenging for younger students, especially kindergartners and other elementary students. For those students, Byers said he would be interested in adding language in the policy that encourages the support of parents and families in helping their students handle their devices responsibly.

Board members did not approve the policy on Monday. That is scheduled to occur at the next school board meeting on Monday, Aug. 10, according to the board’s agenda.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, BOARD MEMBERS:

• Heard a presentation from district administration about back-to-school efforts for the 2026-2027 school year. The presentation outlined ways the district will be supporting families in the last few weeks before school starts.

• Renewed a contract for the Centegix Wearable Panic Alert System in the amount of $131,200. The system comes with “CrisisAlert” badges that are worn by selected district staff members and can call for help in a variety of situations. The badges are described as a “mobile panic button.”

photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Board President Bob Byers and Vice President Yolanda Franklin are pictured on Monday, July 27, 2026.

The district’s Safe Schools Grant provides a 50% match for safety-related purchases, according to the agenda, and Centegix is eligible for this grant. The district will be responsible for paying $65,600.

• Authorized the district’s participation in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, and Summer Food Service Program for the 2026-2027 school year. Each of these programs – which are administered by the Kansas Department of Education – help students receive nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals and snacks each school day.

• Renewed a three-year contract for Mosyle Manager software from Mosyle Corporation, at a total cost of $282,150. Each school year, the district would pay $94,050. The software is used on Apple devices across the district to enforce security settings, compliance with district policies and management of apps.

• Entered into a three-year agreement with Johnson Controls Inc. to provide preventive maintenance for the HVAC systems in district buildings. The total contract amount is $68,256, with the first year costing $21,651, the second year amounting to $22,734 and the third year costing $23,871.