As you likely have heard by now, LD 1234 was passed this spring by the Maine Legislature in an effort to reduce the effects of personal technology devices/cell phones in schools. This law requires that "By August 1, 2026, a school board shall adopt and implement a policy prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices for the duration of the school day, from starting bell to dismissal bell. The policy must restrict student use of cellular telephones and other personal electronic devices with internet or cellular network capabilities."
For the start of the 2026-27 school year, students in PK-12 across the state will not be allowed to use phones or other personal electronic devices at all during the school day, with limited exceptions (as defined by law) "for medical reasons, emergency situations, or specific educational accommodations." The Board's Policy Committee is currently working on a local policy that complies with this law. For students in grades PK-8, a bell-to-bell ban of cell phones has been in place for many years. At GHS, cell phones have been allowed during unstructured times but must be placed in storage pouches during class time.
Due to the timing of the law and the expense, we will be continuing with Bring Your Own Learning Device (BYOLD) at GHS next year, so the policy will exempt personal laptops that are currently used by high school students during school hours. Other details related to the law have yet to be worked out, but will be communicated once the Board adopts a local policy.
Finally, next Monday is Memorial Day. Please join me in acknowledging all of the American soldiers who have given their all, their very lives, for the nation to which we call home. A democracy does not sustain itself in a tenuous world without sacrifice. It is from the blood of patriots that we are free today. There are no words to express the gratitude owed to those who have given their all so that we can enjoy the blessings of freedom. Memorial Day is more than just a holiday; it is a time to remember the ultimate sacrifice given by the very bravest among us.