In April 2025, the Iowa legislature passed House File 782, which places restrictions on the use of electronic devices during instructional time beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Read about the updated policy regarding personal electronic devices and see a detailed FAQ below.

If you have any questions, contact us at info@waukeeschools.org.

1. What is considered a “personal electronic device”?

For purposes of this policy, a “personal electronic device” is a device that is used by a student to send or receive information or create or review content, including cellular and mobile phones, watches or other wearable devices in a receive or transmit mode, laptop or notebook computers, tablets, video game devices, portable media players, and any applications or programs installed by the student on a school-owned or issued device.

This policy does not apply to a device possessed by the student for documented legal, health, and safety purposes and used solely for those purposes. 

Devices with communication capabilities such as watches or other wearable devices may be worn during the school day; however, they can not be used as a “personal electronic device.”

2. Why is Waukee CSD implementing this change?

In April 2025, the Iowa Legislature passed a law that states: “Commencing with the school year beginning July 1, 2025, the board of directors of each school district shall adopt policies regarding student use of personal electronic devices during school hours that restrict student use of such devices during classroom instructional time.”

Knowing this legislation was likely to pass, over the past year Waukee CSD leadership has researched the impact of personal electronic devices in the classroom; gathered feedback from students, families, and staff; and worked with District leaders on how to adapt the new legislation in our schools. The District then developed a policy that complies with the new legislation, prioritizes student mental health, and creates a distraction-free learning environment.

3. What happens if there’s a crisis situation at the school?

In the event of a crisis, we want all students to be attentive, listen to staff members’ instructions, and follow our established crisis plans and procedures. To that end, we do not want students to be on their phones. We also need to keep cell phone towers open for staff and emergency responders to be able to communicate.

During a crisis, we will frequently communicate updates with parents via text, email, and voice messages, and we will share instructions for where they can reunite with their students.

4. What happens if a parent/guardian needs to reach their student?

A parent or guardian, after verification by school officials, may communicate with a student during the school day by contacting the school office.

5. What happens if a student needs to reach their parent/guardian?

In the event of an emergency or illness, the school will contact the student’s parent or guardian.

6. Are there exceptions to this 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. The device should be used solely in the manner necessary and documented. 
  • In grades 9-12, students may use personal electronic devices if a member of the school’s instructional staff permits usage for a specific instructional purpose or activity, or if a course policy, syllabus, or handbook indicates that personal electronic devices are permitted in the course for a specific purpose, such as communicating with a business partner through a work-based learning program. 
  • In grades 6-8, students may connect and use headphones/earbuds only when permitted by their teachers with their school-issued device. They may only connect headphones/earbuds with their District technology and not with personal devices.

7. What happens if a student does not follow the policy?

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).

8. Can a family request that their child is allowed to maintain their personal electronic device?

A parent or guardian of a student may petition to allow their child to maintain access to a personal electronic device for a legitimate reason related to the student’s physical or mental health, based on the unique facts of the student’s case. The petition shall be addressed to the building principal. If the exception is not granted, a parent or guardian may appeal to the superintendent or designee, whose decision shall be final. A parent or guardian has the burden of providing a legitimate reason for allowing the child to maintain access to a personal electronic device contrary to District policy.

9. How will students use hall passes?

Students can use Minga (the electronic hall pass system) on their District-issued iPads.