Ohio schools are working through a complicated regulatory environment. House Bill 250’s July 1, 2025, deadline for cell phone policies is behind us, but many districts are still refining enforcement strategies while preparing for artificial intelligence policy requirements. Whether your district needs to address community concerns or improve implementation, the next steps require careful planning and experienced guidance.
Your District’s Current Position
House Bill 250 requires each school district and community school to adopt a policy governing student use of cell phones during school hours. Most Ohio districts have baseline policies in place, but implementation presents ongoing challenges. Districts report inconsistent enforcement across buildings, parent concerns about emergency communication, and staff questions about handling medical exceptions and IEP accommodations.
Governor DeWine noted recently, “I talk to teachers, and they tell me that when there are cell phones even near the student, it’s a real distraction.” Districts with clear boundaries see improvements in classroom engagement and student interactions, but success depends on consistent implementation and community support.
Your policy should address several components that determine effectiveness:
- Medical necessity exceptions – For students with documented health conditions require documentation processes and staff training.
- Emergency communication protocols – Balance parent concerns with educational objectives.
- IEP and Section 504 accommodations – Consider individualized approaches that support overall policy goals.
AI Policy Requirements on the Horizon
New legislation requires the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to develop a model artificial intelligence use policy by December 31, 2025. Districts must then adopt AI policies by July 1, 2026.
This timeline means planning should begin now. The mandate doesn’t require AI implementation but demands each district to determine responsible AI use. Forward-thinking districts are addressing key areas:
- Academic integrity – Considerations around student AI use in assignments and assessments need clear guidelines that adapt with technology.
- Professional development requirements – Help teachers understand educational opportunities and potential problems.
- Privacy and data security protocols – Protect student information while enabling learning approaches.
Ohio’s AI Toolkit, released in February 2024 through InnovateOhio and The AI Education Project, provides foundational guidance for districts beginning policy development.
Implementation Strategy
Successful districts approach technology policy systematically. Effective strategies include:
- Coordinated policy development connects cell phone policies with technology governance, including AI guidelines and digital citizenship curricula. These issues require unified approaches that consider current classroom realities and emerging technological developments.
- Community engagement builds understanding beyond compliance. Districts with smooth implementation invest time explaining educational rationale. This approach reduces resistance and creates advocates among parents and community members.
- Staff preparation through training addresses practical scenarios, legal requirements, and consistent enforcement. Policy success depends on staff confidence in handling daily situations and exceptions.
- Monitoring and adjustment through feedback identifies what works and needs refinement. Regular review ensures policies remain effective, legally compliant, and educationally sound.
Common Implementation Challenges
Ohio districts report similar hurdles requiring proactive solutions. Enforcement consistency across buildings and grade levels demands clear procedures and regular administrator communication. Parent concerns about emergency communication need responses that acknowledge legitimate worries while maintaining educational focus.
Legal compliance monitoring becomes complex as technology policies intersect. Districts must ensure cell phone exceptions align with AI use policies and both support existing student conduct codes and accommodation requirements.
Staff compliance requires ongoing support beyond initial training. Teachers and administrators need resources for handling unusual situations, updating procedures as technology evolves, and maintaining consistent approaches despite varying comfort levels with technology policies.
Strategic Next Steps
Your district’s technology policies impact every classroom daily. The transition from policy creation to effective implementation requires planning, community engagement, and ongoing refinement. Compliance concerns shouldn’t overshadow the educational opportunities these policies represent.
Successful Ohio districts approach technology governance strategically, viewing cell phone and AI policies as components of educational innovation. These districts position themselves as leaders in preparing students for future success while maintaining focus on core learning objectives.
Strategic policy development and implementation guidance can transform your learning environment while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Rea’s dedicated government team helps Ohio school districts navigate complex policy requirements while strengthening educational outcomes. Our specialists understand the regulatory environment and have guided districts through successful policy implementation across the state.
Contact Rea for a complete policy assessment. Let us help you develop strategies that work for your students, teachers, and community while ensuring full compliance with Ohio’s evolving requirements.
