USD 308 Enforces Bell-to-Bell Device Ban for 2026-27 as Kansas Passes HB 2299

1 articles · Updated · hutchpost.com · Jun 30

USD 308 will require students to keep phones, tablets, smart watches and earbuds powered off and inaccessible for the entire school day starting in 2026-27.
House Bill 2299 made the statewide ban mandatory, overriding the district’s 2025-26 policy; the school board adopted compliant Policy IIBG on June 22.
Lunch and passing periods are included, with state-required discipline for violations and limited exceptions for documented medical needs, IEPs or Section 504 plans.
Parents must contact students through school offices, while students may use school phones with staff approval; families will review and sign the policy during enrollment.
Staff also face new communication limits, barring private texts or personal social media messages to students and shifting official messaging to monitored district platforms such as Apptegy Rooms.