FILE:  JCDAE

Cf:  JD

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Concordia Parish School Board Policy on Electronic Telecommunication and Wearable Technology Devices

Purpose:

In alignment with Act No. 313 of the 2024 Regular Legislative Session and Bulletin 741 Section 1141(D), the Concordia Parish School Board prohibits students from possessing electronic telecommunication devices, including wearable technology capable of sending, receiving, or recording messages or data, during instructional hours.

Scope:

This policy applies to all students attending schools within the jurisdiction of the Concordia Parish School Board.

Definition of Devices:

Electronic telecommunication devices include but are not limited to:

• Cellular telephones

• Smartwatches

• Electronic messaging devices

• Any wearable technology capable of sending, receiving, or recording messages, calls, videos, photos, or other digital data.

Policy Statement:

Students shall not possess electronic telecommunication devices on their person during instructional hours, which include classroom instruction, school-sponsored activities, assemblies, school buses, or any event during the school day.

All devices must be powered off and securely stored in a student’s locker, purse, backpack, or other designated storage area as determined by the school administration.

Exceptions:

• Students with documented medical needs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), or Section 504 Plans specifying the necessity for device usage during instructional hours shall be permitted to carry and use such devices as outlined in their respective plans.
  
  

• School-issued or school-approved devices, such as laptops, tablets, and other educational technology specifically authorized by school administration, are exempt from this policy when used for instructional purposes.

Enforcement and Consequences:

1. First Offense:  Device confiscation, student counseled and returned to student at the end of the day.
   
   

2. Second Offense:  Device confiscation, parent/guardian notified, and 1 day of ISS. Phone returned to parent at the end of the day
   
   

3. Subsequent Offenses:  Device confiscation, progressive disciplinary action.

Communication of Policy:

This policy shall be communicated clearly to students, parents, guardians, and school personnel annually through student handbooks, school orientations, the district website, and other official communication channels.

Review and Update: This policy will be reviewed annually by the Concordia Parish School Board and/or the Superintendent and updated as necessary to remain compliant with state law and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education regulations.

*Amended and approved during the July 10, 2025, school board meeting.

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:239, 17:416, 17:416.1

Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education

Board minutes, 11-11-03, 6-13-06, 7-14-16, 9-12-24, 7-10-25

Concordia Parish School Board