(KNZA)--The Hiawatha USD 415 School Board is preparing to adopt a stricter cell phone policy following new state legislation recently signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser updated board members Monday night on House Bill 2299, which establishes a “bell-to-bell” ban on personal electronic communication devices in Kansas K–12 schools. The law is set to take effect September 1st.

Moser said the new requirements go beyond the district’s current policy, which already restricts cell phone use in classrooms. Under the legislation, student phones must be turned off, securely stored, and made inaccessible during the entire school day.

The bipartisan measure also prohibits school employees from using social media to communicate with students for official school purposes.

Lawmakers say the policy is intended to improve student focus and support mental health.

Each district will be responsible for creating its own enforcement procedures.

Moser told the board a revised cell phone policy will be drafted and brought forward for approval at the July meeting.

Also at the meeting, the board approved several personnel items following an executive session.

Approved hires included Liam Jones as high school cross country coach, Adelyn Tackett as middle school cross country coach, Tyler Brockhoff as middle school head boys basketball coach, Travis Hampl as high school assistant Scholars Bowl coach, and Lexi Tollefson as high school cheer coach.

Board members also accepted the resignation of Kathy Kliewer as high school junior class sponsor.