Code: JFCEB
Adopted: 11/14/12
Revised/Readopted: 08/08/17, 9/10/25
Orig. Code(s): JFCEB 

The Board believes that students should be fully engaged in the act of learning, and is committed to promoting and supporting a focused and productive learning environment for all students. Research shows students are facing increased mental health impacts due to increased personal electronic devices and social media usage. As a response, students are prohibited to use personal electronic devices from the start of regular instructional hours until the end of regular instructional hours.

A “personal electronic device” means any portable, electronically powered device that is capable of:

● Making and receiving calls;
● Making and receiving text messages;
● Accessing the Internet independently from the ESD or District’s network infrastructure; and is a device not issued by NWRESD.

NWRESD has a secure personal electronic device storage at each school. Upon arrival, students will store their personal electronic devices in the designated container or designated locked cabinet. Personal electronic devices will be returned to each student at dismissal. NWRESD will not be liable for personal electronic devices brought on NWRESD property or to NWRESD-sponsored activities that are not stored in the designated, secure areas.

Students may use personal electronic devices when not on school grounds, and not under the supervision of school personnel other than a school bus driver or transportation provider. Students may also use personal electronic devices when the use complies with the terms of:

● The student’s medical provider’s order for the care and treatment of a medical condition.
● The student’s individualized education program, as defined in ORS 343.035 or an education plan developed for the student in accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794.
● A written exemption provided for the student based on a process and guidelines adopted by the ESD to allow administrators to accommodate the individual circumstances of a student or to further specific educational outcomes for a student.

“Social media tools” (as defined in administrative regulation JFCEB-AR), may be used by students in a manner that supports the instructional and learning environment. NWRESD will not be responsible or liable for information or comments posted by students on social media websites when the student is not engaged in NWRESD activities and not using NWRESD equipment.

The superintendent shall develop administrative regulations and/or approve school rules as necessary to ensure that student use of such devices is consistent with this policy, acceptable use guidelines, school or classroom rules, or state and federal law. Administrative regulations may include possession and/or use restrictions by students on NWRESD property and at NWRESD-sponsored activities, consequences for violations, a process for responding to a student’s request to use a personal electronic device, including an appeal process if the request is denied and such other provisions as the superintendent may deem necessary. Consequences for violations may not authorize or otherwise result in a student losing instructional time, which includes suspension or expulsion. The superintendent is responsible for ensuring that pertinent provision of Board policies, administrative regulations, and school rules governing personal electronic devices are included in student/family handbooks, reviewed annually, and updated as necessary.

The taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing of obscene, pornographic, or otherwise illegal images of photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (commonly called texting, sexting, emailing, etc.) may constitute a crime under state and/or federal law. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, or otherwise illegal images or photographs will be reported to law enforcement and/or other appropriate states or federal agencies.

END OF POLICY 

Legal Reference(s): 

• ORS 334.125
  
• ORS 336.840
• Copyrights, 17 U.S.C. §§ 101- 1332; 19 C.F.R. Part 133 (2006).