District Updates

Cell Phone Policy - Effective Immediately (August 12, 2025)

The West Clermont Board of Education has been preparing for an update to the district's cell phone policy and officially adopted a revised policy in December 2024. This policy was developed with guidance from our legal counsel and NEOLA, as the Board is responsible for establishing, modifying, and creating district policy.

However, as of yesterday, the state has issued a clear definition of the instructional day that conflicts with the guidance we received from NEOLA. In response, the Board will adopt the state’s model policy (provided below) and revise our existing policy to align with this new mandate.

We understand this change is coming on short notice and apologize for any inconvenience. Our priority is to ensure that we remain in full compliance with state law.

In today’s connected world, we understand that changes to communication policies may raise concerns. Please know that parents and guardians can always contact the school office if they need to relay an urgent message to their child during the school day. Our staff will ensure messages are delivered promptly and respectfully.

Similarly, if a student needs to contact a parent or guardian, they will be allowed to use a phone in the office. While we are committed to reducing distractions and fostering a focused learning environment, we also remain dedicated to maintaining strong, reliable communication between home and school—especially in unexpected situations.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Cell Phones in Schools: Model Policy provide by the STATE

To support school environments in which students can fully engage with their classmates, their teachers, and instruction, the West Clermont Board of Education has determined the use of cell phones by students during school hours should be limited.

The objective of this policy is to strengthen West Clermont’s focus on learning, in alignment with our mission to ignite students’ passion for learning, cultivate a strong foundation of knowledge, and foster a sense of community within our schools.

Research

Research shows that student use of cell phones in schools has negative effects on student performance and mental health. Cell phones distract students from classroom instruction, resulting in smaller learning gains and lower test scores. Increased cell phone use has led to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in youth.

Applicability

This policy applies to the use of cell phones by students while on school property during the instructional day. The instructional day is “any period of time in which a student is expected to be in attendance and includes not only formal instruction time but also supervised activities, such as transitioning between classes, recess, meal periods, and field trips.” The instructional day begins at the first minute of the first period and ends after the bell of the last period of the day.

Use of Cell Phones

Students are prohibited from using cell phones at all times. If other technology is connected to a cell phone (earbuds, smartwatches, etc.) and is being used to access cell phone functions, that device is also not permitted under these new requirements.

Cell phone storage

PK-5 should not bring devices to school. Grades 6-8 shall use a storage device provided by the district. Grades 9-12 shall keep their cell phones in a secure place, such as the student’s locker, a closed backpack, or a storage device provided by the district, at all times.

Exceptions

Nothing in this policy prohibits a student from using a cell phone for a purpose documented in the student’s individualized education program developed under Chapter 3323 of the Ohio Revised Code, a plan developed under section 504 of the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973," 29 U.S.C. 794, or as permitted under the building's comprehensive emergency management plan adopted under section 5502.262 of the Revised Code.

A student shall use a cell phone or other electronic communication to monitor or address a health concern if the school board receives a written statement from the student's physician requiring such use.

Exceptions will only be made when device use is explicitly permitted by school staff for educational purposes or in the event of an emergency.

Discipline

If a student violates this policy, a teacher or administrator will follow progressive disciplinary measures.

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