On June 8, 2026, the DPS Board of Education approved Executive Limitation 23 (EL-23), establishing a ban on personal communication devices (PCDs).
Policy Summary
The policy will go into effect in all district-run schools at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year for all grade levels (ECE-13).
Personal Communication Device (PCD) Definition
A PCD is a privately-owned, portable electronic communication device. PCDs include, but are not limited to:
Cellphones.
Smart or electronic wearables (such as smart watches or smart glasses).
Wireless earbuds and earphones.
Personally owned tablets and laptops.
Non-district-issued computing devices.
Any other personally owned, portable electronic communication device.
Turned Off, Out of Sight
Throughout the instructional school day, PCDs shall be turned off and placed in the school provided cubbies at the front desk. PCDs should not be stored in pockets. Students shall turn off and store their PCDs during class time, passing periods, lunch periods and restroom breaks while on campus during the school day.
PCDs must be turned off and put away for activities planned or organized by the school during the instructional school day. This includes anything on or off campus such as field trips. Since overnight trips are not during school hours, students may use their PCDs.
If a PCD makes a sound or vibrating alert or is plain view during the school day (including passing periods, lunch or restroom breaks), it will be considered a violation of the policy. If the policy is violated, school authorities may confiscate the PCD. See the administrative policy JICJ for details.
Liability
The district is not responsible for the loss, theft, or destruction of personal communication devices brought onto school or district property, or while a student is attending district or school-sponsored activities or events. Students who bring PCDs to school do so at their own risk.