Johnson County School District No. 1 has introduced a temporary smart device policy aimed at creating consistency in student cellphone use across all grade levels, Gillette News Record reports.
The new policy, adopted by the school board on March 10, prohibits smart device use—including cellphones and smartwatches—for all K-12 students during the school day, with the exception that high school students may use their devices during lunch.
The district’s decision follows a nationwide trend of schools tightening cellphone policies in response to growing research highlighting their negative impact on student learning. However, instead of implementing immediate restrictions, Superintendent Charles Auzqui emphasized that Johnson County is taking a measured approach, involving staff, students, and parents in discussions before finalizing a permanent districtwide policy.
“This is an ongoing journey, not the creation of something entirely new,” the policy states.
Implementation and Enforcement
Each school will determine how to manage smart devices and establish consequences for violations.
The policy aims to align existing school rules, which already limit cellphone use, though enforcement has varied across buildings.
School staff and administrators will play a key role in ensuring consistent enforcement.
Adults, including teachers, administrators, and school board members, are expected to model appropriate smart device use during instructional time and district events.
The district will review feedback at the en
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