Proviso 1.103 requires all school districts to “implement a policy adopted by the State Board of Education that prohibits access to personal electronic communication devices by students during the school day” in order to receive state funds allocated for State Aid to Classrooms. This Proviso directed the South Carolina State Department of Education to develop a policy requiring all districts to adopt and implement in January 2025.
As required by law, our Board of Trustees adopted the mandated policy developed by the State Board of Education. Beginning in January, Spartanburg School District Three will implement a districtwide policy prohibiting cell phones. This policy, required by Proviso 1.103 and the South Carolina Department of Education, prohibits the use of personal cell phones during school hours for students in all grades.
The purpose of the Proviso and policy is to ensure that all District Three students remain focused and engaged during the school day. While Spartanburg School District Three currently prohibits the use of cell phones during instructional time, our new policy requires students to keep their cell phones powered off throughout the entirety of the school day, including in between classes and during lunch. This also includes earbuds and smart watches. There are exceptions for students who require a cell phone for medical needs.
For more information about this policy, click here.