EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 25-09

In July 2025, Governor Tina Kotek released Executive Order No. 25-09 which requires that all Oregon school districts have a policy in place that restricts the use of personal electronic devices from the start of regular instructional hours to the end of regular instructional hours. School districts are required to adopt a policy no later than October 31, 2025, with full implementation in effect no later than January 1, 2026.

FAQ’s

  1. What is the purpose of Executive Order 25-09?
    The Executive Order aims to help foster student learning, well-being, and belonging by reducing distractions and promoting healthy, focused school environments. It requires school districts to adopt policies that restrict student use of personal electronic devices during the school day, with specific provisions to ensure equitable and supportive implementation.
  2. What exemptions, if any, are permitted under this policy?
    Medical necessity, when use is part of a care or treatment plan ordered by a licensed medical provider.
    Individualized education plans (IEPs) or Section 504 plans, when use is required for access or accommodation.
  3. Does the Executive Order’s restrictions on cell phone use apply during lunch periods, particularly in high schools?
    Yes, the Executive Order applies throughout the entire school day, which includes lunch periods. It is important for districts to consider their school community’s needs and to clearly communicate any specific guidelines regarding device use during lunch to maintain consistency and support positive school culture.

Personal Electronic Device Policy

All schools in the Neah-Kah-Nie School District are to be free from personal electronic devices from the start of school through the end of the school day. This includes, but is not limited to smartphones, flip phones, tablets, ereaders, smartwatches, smart glasses and any other personal web-capable device and the headphones and/or earbuds connected to those devices. Personal electronic devices that are brought onto school grounds are to be stored in accordance with the school’s handbook.

Definitions:
Personal Electronic Device: means any portable, electronically powered device that is capable of:

  • Making and receiving calls
  • Making and receiving text messages

    This includes smartphones, web-enabled flip phones, cellular-capable tablets and e-readers, smartwatches, smart glasses, and connected headphones or earbuds. This does doe not include laptop computers or other devices required to support academic activities.

Instructional Hours : means from the regular start of the school instructional day to the end of the instructional day. This policy may also extend to field trips and athletic events, as determined by the school district.

  • This may exclude time when students are not on school grounds and are not under supervision of school personnel other than a school bus driver.

Expectations:

  • During class time, all Pre-K – 5th grade students are required to store their personal electronic devices in their classroom assigned area (backpack, cubby, desk, etc). All 6th – 12th grade students are required to store their personal electronic devices in district provided Yondr pouches.
  • Students may not access their personal electronic devices in bathrooms or locker rooms at any time.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all their personal electronic devices are stored in accordance with the district’s policy.
  • Communication between students and parents, caregivers and /or guardians will occur through the school office if necessary.

Steps for Missed Expectations:
When students need support in meeting expectations for personal electronic device use during the school day, teachers or administrators will use the following steps, designed to guide and encourage positive choices:

  • First Offense: Staff will direct the student to bring their device to the office for student pick up at the end of the day. Parents/Guardians will be notified of the incident and students will be retaught the expectations.
  • Second Offense: Staff will direct the student to bring their device to the office for the parent/guardian to pick up. Parents/Guardians will be notified of the incident and students and parents will be retaught the expectations.
  • Third Offense: Staff will direct the student to bring their device to the office for parent/guardian to pick up. Parents/Guardians will be notified of the incident. Additionally, students will face further disciplinary action and be placed on a technology use plan.