Waukee CSD Proposes New Policy for Electronic Devices
Starting in the 2025-26 school year, Waukee Community School District will update its policies to align with House File 782, which restricts the use of personal devices during instructional time. The changes will be effective the first day of school in August.
“Understanding that this legislation was likely to pass, we’ve been proactive in evaluating our current policies to ensure we make the best decision for our students and staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Buck.
Beginning last summer, the District researched the impact of cell phone use in schools; conducted surveys with parents, students, and staff members; and held discussions with administrators to evaluate what is working well and what needs improvement in the schools.
“Based on our discussions and findings, we developed a plan to update our policies in compliance with the new legislation while also aligning with our own objectives to prioritize student mental health and create a focused, distraction-free learning environment,” Dr. Buck explained. The new policy was approved by the School Board at the June 23 meeting.
Here’s what the legislation means for Waukee CSD students beginning next school year.
New Policy
Grades 9-12:
Students may not use personal electronic devices during classroom instructional time.
- Instructional time is from the beginning bell to the end bell for each class period.
- This policy applies to both classes and independent study time and encompasses all areas of the school including hallways, common areas, and restrooms.
- During instructional time, devices must be powered off or in silent mode in their locker, backpack, or dedicated location (such as a classroom shoe rack) as communicated by staff.
Grades TK-8:
Students may not use personal electronic devices any time during the entire school day.
- The school day is from the posted start time to the end time for the student’s school, including lunch and passing periods.
- For grades TK-5, devices must be powered off in their locker or backpack during the school day.
- For grades 6-8, devices must be powered off or in silent mode in their locker or backpack during the school day.
For more details about the updated policy, see this FAQ.
Under the new policy, a student who has a current Individualized Education Plan, a plan under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, or a health plan may maintain access to a personal device during an appropriate portion of the school day as documented in the plan.
Students in grades 9-12 may use personal electronic devices if a staff member permits usage for a specific instructional purpose or activity, such as communicating with a business partner through a work-based learning program. Students in grades 6-12 may use headphones/earbuds connected to their District-issued device only when permitted by their teachers.
Violations
Grades PK-5 – If any of the personal electronic devices listed in the policy are seen/heard/used in violation of this policy, their personal electronic devices may be kept in the office where it will be logged and secured. Final determination regarding personal electronic devices may be made at the individual building level.
Grades 6-12 – If any of the personal electronic devices listed in the policy are seen/heard/used at inappropriate times in violation of this policy, students will be required to hand over the device to a school employee. The device will then be brought to the office, logged and secured where the following procedures will be followed:
- For offenses 1-2, students can pick up the device after school.
- For offenses 3-5, a parent/guardian must pick the device up from the school.
- For any offenses beyond 5, school administrators will communicate with the family to create a plan to help the student successfully move forward.
- Violations of this policy will reset at each grading period (“grading period” is defined at the building level).
Background
- July 2024: Dr. Buck drafted a Student Cell Phone Consideration Plan with steps to research the topic, involve various groups, and identify practical considerations.
- August 2024: All District, school, and department leaders were encouraged to read The Anxious Generation to better understand the effects of cell phones on today’s youth. We initiated monthly check-ins with these leaders to discuss what’s working well and what needs improvement in our existing policy, and explore the potential implications of any policy changes.
- September 2024: We sent a survey to all students, families, and staff in the District to gather feedback about current and proposed cell phone policies.
- October 2024: Our data team analyzed the survey results from 9,000 total respondents, and we began reviewing the questions/concerns that were raised in the survey.
- November 2024: We shared the survey results with all students, families, and staff. Our data team presented the findings to the School Board during a public work session.
- January 2025: Dr. Buck began collaborating with middle school leaders to discuss the updated policy, recognizing that this level would be most affected by the proposed changes.
- March 2025: A bill was introduced in the Iowa House regarding electronic devices in school.
- April 2025: The bill was passed by the Iowa legislature and signed by the Governor. The Iowa Department of Education released a model policy for how schools can implement the new legislation.
- May 2025: We drafted a new policy, then worked with leaders to revise the policy to address their specific concerns. The new policy was reviewed by our legal team and our Policy Committee.
- June 2025: The Waukee CSD School Board heard a first reading of the new policy at the June 9 meeting and approved the policy at the June 23 meeting.
“We understand that this adjustment may take some time, and we appreciate the support of families, students, and staff as we work together to implement these changes next school year,” Dr. Buck said.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email info@waukeeschools.org.
