Cherokee County Schools Enforce New Cell Phone Restrictions

CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. — The Cherokee County Board of Education is implementing new restrictions on wireless communication devices following Gov. Josh Stein’s signing of House Bill 959, the board announced Wednesday.

Effective immediately, students may bring phones to school but must keep them turned off and stored away during the instructional day until the dismissal bell. Use, display, or activation of devices during school hours is prohibited, with students responsible for proper storage. Exceptions are granted for medical needs,

Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 accommodations, and staff-approved educational purposes.

Violations will be addressed under Cherokee County Board of Education Policy 4318, available at https://www.cherokee.k12.nc.us/ under the “Office of the Superintendent,” then “School Board,” and “Policy Manual” from the right-hand menu. The board is drafting a comprehensive new policy during upcoming meetings.

For questions, contact the main office of your child’s school. The board expressed appreciation for community support in fostering focused learning environments.