Personal Handheld Electronic Devices

This policy shall apply to handheld electronic devices with communication and storage capabilities and shall include, without limitation, cellular telephones, MP3 and similar music players, tape recorders and players, scanners, portable digital assistants, wireless email devices and cameras.  The scope of this policy does not include electronic devices approved for use by the building principal or required by a student's Individualized Education Program. 

Students in grades 6 through 12 shall be allowed to possess electronic devices in the off position during the instructional school day.  Use of electronic devices during the instructional day, except in accordance with this policy, is otherwise prohibited.

Students in grades 6 through 12 may, in accordance with the instructions of the school official in charge, possess and use electronic devices during periods of transportation on school buses.   Provided however, no student shall use any electronic device capability which allows them to record images (i.e., camera or video recorder). 

Students in grades K through 5 are not allowed to possess or store electronic devices on Baldwin County campuses.

Students shall have no expectation of privacy in any electronic device possessed by a student in violation of this policy.  Students bringing electronic devices to school, do so at their own risk.  The Baldwin County Board of Education assumes no responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen electronic devices brought to school by students.  

Violations of this policy shall result in the immediate confiscation of the electronic device. Refusal to turn over an electronic device to an administrator will result in immediate suspension, pending further potential discipline, and a parent conference.  Confiscated electronic devices shall be securely stored in the school's administrative offices until retrieved in accordance herewith.  Any electronic device not retrieved within 30 days shall be subject to disposal.  In addition, the following consequences shall, at a minimum, be imposed:

           First Offense:    The student's Parent/Guardian will be allowed to pick up the                                                     confiscated electronic device at the end of the school day.

           Second Offense:  The confiscated electronic device shall be held by the school for five days. The Student's Parent/Guardian will be allowed to pick up the confiscated device at the end of the five day hold period.

Third Offense: The student shall receive ond day of in-school suspension. The confiscated electronic device shall be held by the school for 10 days. The student's Parent/Guardian will be allowed to pick up the device at the end of the 10 day hold period.

             Fourth Offense: The student shall receive a one-day suspension and the privileges                                                           under this policy shall be revoked for the remainder of the school                                                           year.

 Subsequent offenses:     The student shall be subject to further suspensions/expulsion.

Cumulative violations shall be based upon the school year.

In the event students are suspended or expelled for violating this policy, due process shall be provided in accordance with Board Policy 917.

In certain instances there is educational value in utilizing personal electronic devices in classrooms when such devices aid in extending, enhancing, and/or reinforcing the students' learning process related to the instructional objectives of the class they are attending.  Approval for students' use of such devices will be at the discretion of the building principal in coordination with the Board's Information Technology department and shall be preapproved in writing by the principal.

Electronic devices shall be subject to search in accordance with applicable state and federal law. Electronic devises shall be receipted and surrendered to law enforcement personnel upon request of law endorcement.