House Bill 1160 passed the senate and the house last week. This bill requires all personal electronic communication devices to be stored away during instructional time in all North Dakota K-12 public schools. Governor Kelly Armstrong states, “This is a game changer for our public schools, giving students the freedom to focus on learning and to interact with teachers and friends without the constant tug of their cell phones and addictive social media” (https://www.governor.nd.gov/news/armstrong-highlights-benefits-students-he-signs-bill-requiring-phone-free-k-12-public-schools).
Conversely, what do our local leaders think of this new law? Superintendent of Minot Public Schools, Dr. Scott Faul, states, “Minot Public Schools remains dedicated to providing focused and engaging classrooms where students can grow academically and socially alongside their peers and teachers. I believe this legislation offers clear guidance for schools, families, and our community. There is still work to be done as we put this law in place for the 2025-26 school year.” Correspondingly, Mr. Larry Derr states, “As Superintendent of Glenburn Public School, I fully support the new cell phone ban law for schools. This policy will help create a learning environment where students can stay focused, engaged, and free from unnecessary distractions.
Over the past several years, we have seen firsthand how cell phones can interfere with academic performance, contribute to social challenges, and even impact student mental health. By limiting their use during the school day, we are prioritizing meaningful interactions, improving attention in classrooms, and fostering a safer, more respectful school community. I am confident that this change will lead to a stronger, more supportive environment where all students can thrive.”
It is no surprise that Dr. Faul and Mr. Derr have similar views, because their schools’ immediate operational goals match. The mission of Minot Public Schools is “to empower all learners to succeed in a changing world” and the mission of Glenburn Public School is “to provide a comprehensive educational experience through continued self-analysis in order to empower all students with knowledge, skills, and attitudes to meet the challenges of our changing world (emphasis mine).” The world is certainly ever-evolving politically, economically, socially, traditionally, culturally, and technologically; and now—through powering off—our local schools empower!
