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 is convening a Personal Electronic Device Policy Workgroup. Members of the workgroup will help shape 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.
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 is offering more ways to make voices and perspectives heard in the policy development process.
- Student forums at secondary schools are being scheduled.
- All community members are invited to attend a listening session:
- Monday, April 13
- 6-7:00 pm
- Attend via Zoom
- Meeting ID: 832 7795 6332
- Passcode: 838285
- There will be a listening session for school district staff only on Thursday, May 7, at 4:00 pm via Zoom. Details will be sent via email. (If staff cannot make this time, they are welcome to attend the community session.)