Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, the Independence Local School District will implement new cell phone and personal electronic device policies in alignment with Ohio House Bill 250, passed as part of the Governor’s budget bill. This legislation requires schools to restrict student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during instructional hours to promote a focused, respectful, and distraction-free academic environment.
While the core requirements will be consistent districtwide, each school will have a slightly different policy based on the needs of its students and instructional schedule. These policies outline when and where devices may be used, expectations for storage during the day, and consequences for misuse. They also clarify that the district and schools are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.
Why This Change Will Benefit Students
Limiting personal device use during instructional time will:
Encourage students to be fully engaged in classroom learning.
Reduce distractions that interfere with academic performance.
Promote face-to-face interaction and positive relationships among peers.
Support the development of focus, self-regulation, and respectful communication.
We believe these changes will help create an environment where every student can thrive both academically and socially.
Next Steps
Building Principals will send their school’s specific policy directly to parents and students.
Students will review the policy with their principal and teachers on their first day of school.
For your reference, you can also access each building’s policy here:
We appreciate your support and partnership in reinforcing these expectations at home. Together, we can help our students make the most of their learning opportunities.
Thank you in advance for helping us ensure a safe, respectful, and distraction-free school environment.