Photo: Pixabay
By Kendra Williams
The Sanford School Committee took its first step toward developing a bell-to-bell ban on student electronic devices during the school day at a policy workshop on May 18. The law, recently passed by the Maine Legislature, requires school boards to adopt and implement such a policy by Aug. 1, 2026.
Assistant Superintendent Steve Bussiere presented the proposed policy, which would prohibit students from carrying, wearing, or accessing personal cell phones, smart watches, or other personal electronic devices with internet or cellular connectivity from the start of school until dismissal, except as permitted by policy.
Limited exceptions for documented medical, educational, accessibility, language support, or emergency needs would be permitted. Any exception would be limited to the specific approved purpose and would not allow general device use during the school day.
Committee members and administrators also discussed several possible approaches for implementing the policy. Options included app-based systems that can remotely disable devices during the school day, locking pouches similar to those used in other districts, and locker-based storage systems. Superintendent Matt Nelson expressed concern about app-based systems because families would need to download them. Lockers may also be more practical at the middle school level than at Sanford High School because of the larger student population and SRTC scheduling logistics.
The discussion also included the types and price points of locking pouches, along with limited state funding that may be available to support implementation.
Much of the discussion focused on how procedures would work on a day-to-day basis. Administrators said the district would need clear processes for device collection and storage, handling late arrivals and early dismissals, and responding consistently to violations. Committee members also emphasized the importance of minimizing the enforcement burden on teachers and ensuring accommodations remain available for students in specialized SRTC programs that may require limited device access for instructional purposes.
Superintendent Matt Nelson said he has spoken with colleagues in districts that have already implemented bell-to-bell restrictions, including Marshwood, York, Noble and RSU 1 in Bath. Those districts have generally reported positive results, including improved focus and fewer classroom distractions. Nelson said he has heard about the culture change those schools are seeing with student engagement at times students previously would have been “buried in their phones between classes or at lunch.”
At the subsequent regular meeting following the workshop, the first of two required readings of the policy was accepted by the School Committee. The policy returns for a second reading and possible adoption at the June 8 meeting. In the meantime, the committee is expected to continue refining procedures, communication plans, and implementation details, while also allowing time for public input.
You can watch the full workshop meeting here.
The post Schools Move Toward State-Mandated Electronic Devices Ban appeared first on Sanford Springvale News.
