By Ryan Applegate
People’s Defender
As students in the Adams County Ohio Valley School District (ACOVSD) prepare to return to class on August 14, they’ll be met with a significant change to their daily routine: a district-wide ban on cell phone use during instructional hours. This new policy comes in response to recently enacted state legislation requiring Ohio schools to restrict student use of personal electronic devices during school hours. In an effort to comply with the law and enhance learning environments, ACOVSD has outlined clear expectations, enforcement strategies, and communication plans as the policy takes effect.
Superintendent Dawn Wallace explained the district’s approach to implementing the law and what families can expect in the coming school year. “We are following a progressive discipline plan to enforce the ban,” Wallace explained. “We’ve communicated this policy to all families through direct messaging, our website, and social media, and we’ll continue to make sure everyone understands what’s expected.”
Under the new policy, students will be prohibited from using or displaying their phones from the first bell of the day to the final dismissal bell—what the district is calling “bell to bell.” That includes all classrooms, hallways, and non-instructional periods during the school day. The policy currently applies only to the school day itself, but Wallace noted that if students begin to violate rules during bus rides, the district may consider extending the policy to include transportation.
For students with medical conditions or other special circumstances that require phone access, Wallace said the district will fully comply with all exceptions outlined under the state law. “We will continue to support those students in the ways permitted and required. It’s all accounted for in the law, and we’re prepared to accommodate where necessary.”
ACOVSD leaders are optimistic about the impact this change will have on student behavior and performance. “We expect to see increased engagement in class and a return to established societal norms of communication and focus,” Wallace said. “When phones are constantly a distraction, they disrupt not just instruction but also student interactions and development. By removing them from the equation during the school day, we believe students will benefit academically and socially.”
Still, questions have arisen from some community members about safety and emergency communication, particularly in the event of a crisis. Wallace assured families that these scenarios have been fully considered. “Emergency communication plans are already included in each building’s safety protocols. If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian due to an emergency or a change in after-school plans, staff are equipped to assist. Students won’t be left without options.”
Teachers and administrators will be the primary enforcers of the policy throughout the day, just as they are with other school rules. Wallace emphasized that many teachers have long been concerned about how cell phone use affects classroom management and instructional time. “This has been a frequent topic of conversation in our schools. Addressing unauthorized phone use has been a recurring disruption,” she said. “This law gives us support in reinforcing student engagement and increasing productive learning time.”
The district acknowledges that not all feedback has been positive, particularly from parents and students adjusting to the change. “It’s a shift, and any change can be uncomfortable at first,” Wallace said. “But we’re committed to working with our families to implement this policy with fidelity and empathy. Ultimately, we all want what’s best for our students.”
At this stage, Ohio’s law does not offer flexibility for individual districts to alter how the policy is implemented. ACOVSD is meeting the minimum requirements, which currently means no phone use or visibility during the school day. However, Wallace noted that if results don’t improve—such as reductions in discipline issues and increases in academic performance—the state may consider tightening restrictions even further.
“We haven’t received state guidelines yet on how to measure effectiveness,” Wallace said, “but internally, we’ll be looking at metrics like student achievement, disciplinary referrals, and engagement indicators. Lawmakers enacted this policy in response to real concerns about behavior and academic decline. If we don’t see improvement, it’s likely the state will pursue even stricter regulations.”
Wallace concluded with a reminder of the broader goal: preparing students to succeed. “At the end of the day, we’re all aiming for the same thing—students who are productive, independent, and ready for college or a career. That means creating an environment where learning comes first, and we believe this policy supports that mission.”
As the new school year approaches, ACOVSD encourages families to review the updated policy and reach out with any questions. With a shared commitment to student growth, the district hopes this initiative will mark a turning point in cultivating stronger academic focus and healthier school culture.
