Lee County Board of Education Policy Manual
Lee County Board of Education Policy Manual - Revised 6/10/2025
Student Grievances Procedures
Cell Phone Policy
School Directory Opt-out Form
Seclusion & Restraint for All Students
NOTICE of ADDED BOARD POLICY 6.19 with 6/10/2025 REVISION - SEE BELOW
6.19. Wireless Communication Devices.
Personal, wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones, smart phones, personal computers, tablets, digital wearables or any other electronic communication device. In accordance with the FOCUS Act, enacted by the Alabama Legislature in 2025, Students may not use, operate, or possess a wireless communication device in school buildings or on school grounds during the instructional day, except as permitted under the FOCUS Act for use, operation, or possession that (1) is for educational or learning purposes under the student’s IEP, Section 504 Plan, or Individualized Health Plan, (2) is for educational or learning purposes as permitted by the supervising teacher or administrator, or (3) occurs during an emergency threatening the life or safety of the student or another person.
The Superintendent shall be responsible for the development and implementation of administrative procedures designed to eliminate the unauthorized use of wireless communication devices by students within the Lee County School System. Such procedures shall include clear prohibitions on use, operation, or possession of wireless communication devices during instructional time and other designated periods, delineate applicable exceptions consistent with statutory allowances, and provide that wireless communication devices must be powered off and stored in a location not on the student’s person during the instructional day. Approved storage locations are subject to approval by the Principal (but may include the student’s locker, car, backpack, purse, gym bag or other approved location not on the student’s person).
The Superintendent shall also develop a tiered disciplinary framework prescribing consequences for violations of this policy, which shall align with and be incorporated into the Board of Education’s approved student code of conduct and applicable disciplinary procedures. This policy shall be enforced uniformly across all district schools to ensure compliance with state mandates, maintain the integrity of the instructional environment, and support student engagement and safety.
For purposes of this Policy, the instructional day is defined as the normal hours of operation when school is open and in session, including class time, lunch, transitions between classes, and any non-instructional periods, as well as any time when students are required to store their Wireless Communications Devices under the Code of Conduct, other school rules, or when directed to do so by supervising teachers, or administrators.
Cell phone use is also prohibited during field trips. Cell phone rules for before school or after-hours bus trips will be determined by the Transportation Department and the school principal.
The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to any personal wireless communication device. School officials may read, examine, or inspect the contents of any such device upon reasonable suspicion that the device contains evidence of a violation of Board policy, the Code of Student Conduct, or other school rules, provided that the nature and extent of such examination shall be reasonably related and limited to the suspected violation.
[Reference: ALA. ACT 2025-386]