The Governor of Missouri, on July 9, signed Senate Bill 68 into law, requiring all school districts to implement a policy prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices during the school day.

(Section 162.207) Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, each school district and charter school shall adopt a written policy regarding students' possession or use of electronic personal communication devices. Such a policy shall be designed to promote students' educational interests and ensure a safe, effective working environment for staff and volunteers. The act defines an "electronic personal communications device" as a portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically.

• Cell phones
• Smartwatches
• Tablets
• Gaming devices
• Other portable media players
• Personal laptops, unless authorized for educational purposes

The policy went into effect on August 18, 2025.

Students with specific medical or educational needs, as outlined in their IEP, 504 Plan, or Healthcare Plan, may be allowed to use their devices under certain circumstances. Additionally, personal laptops may be used for educational purposes.

As long as they are not creating safety disruptions, students may use cell phones after school but cell phone use on buses is allowed only on High School and Middle School buses - not ECC and Elementary buses.

Use of electronic devices on field trips will be at the discretion of administrators and supervising adults.

The District will implement a clear disciplinary process for students who violate the policy. Specific details regarding disciplinary actions are communicated in Board Policy JG-R1.

NOTE: The MRH Board of Education is currently reviewing MSBA’s recommended policy governing student use of personal communication devices.

Parents/guardians who need to contact their student during the school day and/or change the pick-up time of your child, may do so by calling the main office of the school or by emailing their child directly.

If a student requires a cell phone for medical reasons, this exception must be explicitly stated in their IEP, 504 plan, or healthcare plan. Phone use will only be permitted for the specific medical need and not for any other purposes.

Yes, the policy applies to all students. However, specific accommodations related to personal electronic devices can be addressed within a student's IEP or 504 plan if medically or educationally necessary.

Students will receive instructions from school staff, and parents will be notified through established communication channels if there is an emergency situation at the school. Our goal is to keep students focused on the adult getting them to safety before they access their phones.

Parents can help by:

• Discussing the policy with their children and explaining the reasons behind it.
• Encouraging their children to follow the policy.
• Communicating with school officials if they have any questions or concerns.