The School Board recognizes that many students possess cell phones and other electronic devices.  These devices may not be used in any manner that disrupts the instructional process or violates Board policies or school rules.

The Boothbay- Boothbay Harbor CSD shall not be responsible for the loss, theft or damage to cell phones or other electronic devices that students bring with them to school or school activities or use on student transportation.

The following provisions apply to student use of cell phones and other electronic devices:

1. Students are prohibited from using privately-owned electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, “smart phones,” “smart watches,” I-Pods, MP3 players, handheld computers/PDA’s, and electronic games during classes and school activities. 

2. High Schools by the nature of the grade span must have a different policy and procedure. The following is the Boothbay Region High School wireless device policy: At Boothbay Region High School within the building during school hours, students will have their smartwatches, smartphones and earbuds locked in their Yondr pouches  (unless allowed via IEP).

3. The use of cameras, including camera phones, is strictly prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms, and other places where privacy is generally expected.  In all other school locations, permission must be granted before photographing or taking videos of another person.

4. When on school premises, the use of personal electronic devices that violate School Board policy, administrative procedure or school rule is prohibited. In addition, accessing, viewing, submitting, forwarding, downloading or displaying any materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, bullying and/or illegal is prohibited.

5. The use of a cell phone or other electronic device in any manner that violates School Board policy or school rules is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to harassment, cheating and violations of the student code of conduct.  If a Board policy or school rule is violated, the teacher or school administrator may confiscate the device for the remainder of the school day.  Student cell phones and other electronic devices may be subject to search if there is reasonable suspicion of a violation.

F. Students who violate Board policy or school rules will be subject to disciplinary consequences which may include:

1. Confiscation of the device until the end of the school day;

2. A conference with the student’s parent/guardian;

3. Exclusion of the device from school for an extended period of time; 

4. Penalties up to suspension or expulsion from school, depending upon the nature and circumstances of the violation and the student’s prior disciplinary record; and

5. Referral to law enforcement.

The Superintendent/designee may develop additional rules to implement this policy.  The policy and rules will be communicated to students and parents through the student handbook and/or the student code of conduct.

Adopted: 2-12-2008

Revised: 10-10-2018, 6-11-2025