The Shoreline School Board is developing a policy addressing the use of personal electronic devices at school. These devices include cell phones, earbuds, smart watches, and similar technology. The policy is intended to be in place before the start of the 2026–27 school year.
To engage students, staff, and families in this work, the district has convened a Personal Electronic Device Policy Workgroup. Members of the workgroup have provided recommendations that will inform the policy.
How does the policy relate to the "Off and Away" expectation that was implemented for the 2025-26 school year?
The Shoreline Education Association (SEA) and the district worked together through bargaining to create the “Off and Away” agreement. While the expectations outlined in the agreement do apply to all schools in the district, there is a need for an overarching policy that provides guidance for appropriate use of personal electronic devices at school and provides direction for development of a district-wide procedure.
Draft Policy for Review
At the June 2 School Board meeting, a first reading of the new student personal electronic device policy will be heard. Members of the Shoreline School District community are invited to review the draft policy and provide feedback for consideration prior to the first reading by 12:00 pm on Wednesday, May 27.
What is a school board policy?
A school board policy is a rule or guideline adopted by the school board that sets direction for how the school district operates. It reflects the Board, district, and community’s values, priorities, and legal responsibilities, and it helps ensure decisions are consistent, fair, and aligned with state and federal laws.
What is in the student personal electronic device use policy?
- Baseline of expectations across the district
- Guiding principles and direction for developing a more detailed procedure
- Direction that can be applied to all grades and educational settings
- Language that can withstand technological innovations and advances
What is not in the policy?
- Details of what is and is not considered a personal electronic device
- How the policy will be enforced at schools
- Variations in requirements at schools or grade bands
- Storage requirements for electronic devices
- Responses to policy violations
These topics will be included in the resulting procedure that accompanies the policy.
Workgroup Meeting #1: April 6
Workgroup members convened on Monday, April 6, 5-7:00 pm, in the Shorewood High School College and Career Center to begin work developing a School Board policy for student personal electronic devices.
Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions
- Group Norms
- Purpose of the Workgroup
- Background Information
- Board Guidance
- Policy Development Overview
- Review Community Engagement Activities (Group Activity)
- Review Sample Policies (Group Activity)
- Closing and Homework
Workgroup Meeting #2: May 11
Monday, May 11, 5-8:00 pm, Shorewood High School College and Career Center
Agenda
- Homework reflection and learning share-outs
- Present community engagement reports
- Review and provide feedback to an initial draft of a policy
- Develop policy draft 2 for community feedback
Opportunities for Input
The workgroup will be reviewing and considering data and feedback that has been collected related to this year's "Off and Away" expectation, including the in-person community forums, forum feedback, and survey. In addition to that information, the policy development workgroup offered in-person student forums and virtual community and staff listening sessions to allow more ways to make voices and perspectives heard in the policy development process.