PORTLAND, Ore. — In three months, Oregon school districts must submit plans to ban student cell phone use during the school day, following an executive order by Governor Tina Kotek. The order mandates that all districts implement these plans by January 1, aiming to reduce distractions and improve mental health.
“I believe that it is in the best interests of our students to put the cell phones aside from bell to bell during the classroom day,” Governor Kotek said.
Districts are exploring various methods to comply with the order. Hillsboro and Beaverton school districts have decided against purchasing storage pouches, and will instead have students store their phones away in their backpacks or lockers…