The Madison City Board of Education periodically reviews and recommends changes/additions to BOE policies and procedures.

The MCS Board, in compliance with a new state law called the FOCUS Act (HB 166),  approved new policy actions today as first readings dealing with wireless communication device use in schools, and sanctions for non compliance.

Alabama's new state FOCUS Act restricts cell phones, laptops, smart watches, tablets, gaming devices, air pods, ear buds and other similar devices during the entire school day and compels local school systems to comply through policy by July 1.

There are limited exceptions spelled out in MCS's policy proposal that are allowable under the state law. But the policy required by the state's FOCUS Act is significantly more restrictive of wireless communication devices than the Board's previous policy that was in effect for MCS last school year.

 For one, the ban on use covers the entire school day and not just instruction time. Also, it is being expanded to cover an array of other wireless devices as dictated by state law.

The BOE approved the following policy actions as a first reading in its June 12th Board meeting, putting them in line for final approval at the next board meeting.

Internet Policy 4.8.13

Personal Device Policy 4.8.17

Electronic Communication Device Policy 6.20

Code of Student Conduct 1.20 Prohibited Substances & Devices 

Code of Student Conduct 1.23 Classification of Violations and Consequences

 
Questions about new or amended policies can be emailed to: policies@madisoncity.k12.al.us

The FOCUS Act was approved 79-15 by the Alabama House and 30-2 by the Senate and signed into law May 14. You can read it here: