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<title>PRIORITY NOTICE: Implementation of Maine’s Bell-to-Bell Personal Electronic Device Policy</title>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">FYI<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Funds allocated to each school unit operating any grades 6-12 are linked in the notice below. And here:
<a href="https://www.maine.gov/doe/sites/maine.gov.doe/files/inline-files/Technology%20%26%20Learning%20-%20Current%20Cell%20Phone%20Policy%20Counts%20-%205.18.2026.pdf">
https://www.maine.gov/doe/sites/maine.gov.doe/files/inline-files/Technology%20%26%20Learning%20-%20Current%20Cell%20Phone%20Policy%20Counts%20-%205.18.2026.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align:baseline"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">________________________________________ <br>
</span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"> </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><br>
</span><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Charlotte M. Ellis</span></b><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"> </span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><br>
Analyst – School Finance and Compliance Helpdesk<br>
Maine Department of Education <br>
23 State House Station <br>
Augusta, Maine 04333-0023 <br>
<b>Email: </b><u><span style="color:#0070C0"><a href="mailto:charlotte.ellis@maine.gov"><span style="color:#467886">charlotte.ellis@maine.gov</span></a></span></u>
</span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"> <br>
<b>Phone</b>: 207-624-6625 <br>
<a href="http://www.maine.gov/doe" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none">Maine DOE</span></a> |
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<a href="https://mainedoenews.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0070C0">Maine DOE Newsroom</span></a></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"> <br>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Maine Department of Education <communications.doe@maine.gov>
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, May 20, 2026 2:50 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> Ellis, Charlotte <Charlotte.Ellis@maine.gov><br>
<b>Subject:</b> PRIORITY NOTICE: Implementation of Maine’s Bell-to-Bell Personal Electronic Device Policy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><strong><span style="font-size:21.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#505050">PRIORITY NOTICE: Implementation of Maine’s Bell-to-Bell Personal Electronic Device Policy</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#505050"><br>
<br>
Dear Champions of Education,<br>
<br>
The following information is intended to support school administrative units (SAUs) in preparing for the implementation of a new law requiring that school boards adopt and implement a policy “prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices for the duration
of the school day, from starting bell to dismissal bell” by August 1, 2026.<br>
<br>
The following language is in Part GG of the Supplemental Budget and replaces the existing language in statute, which required a policy related to the use of personal electronic devices:<br>
<br>
<em><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">“By August 1, 2026, a school board shall adopt and implement a policy prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices for the duration of the school day, from starting bell to dismissal bell. The policy
must restrict student use of cellular telephones and other personal electronic devices with Internet or cellular network capabilities. The Department of Education, in coordination with the Maine School Management Association or a successor organization and
other relevant stakeholders, shall make available a model policy for school boards. The model policy must include exceptions for compliance with a student's individualized education program, a documented accommodation under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, 29 United States Code, Section 794 (2026) regarding an individual student, the delivery of prescribed medical care as outlined in a student's individualized health care plan and language support services for a student who is an emergent English
language learner when no other translation option is available.”</span></em><br>
<br>
<strong><u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Required Action</span></u></strong><br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">All school boards must adopt a compliant local policy no later than August 1, 2026.</span></strong><br>
<br>
<strong><u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Scope of the Law</span></u></strong><br>
The law applies to: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Cell phones<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Smartwatches<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Other personal electronic devices with internet or cellular network capabilities<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#505050">The legislation establishes a “bell-to-bell” expectation, meaning student use of these devices must be prohibited for
the duration of the school day.<br>
<br>
<strong><u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Model Policy Available</span></u></strong><br>
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Maine School Management Association (MSMA) collaborated on a model policy, which is available here:
<a href="https://us.list-manage.com/OKRmqTRQ2Dk?e=cad42e3b04&c2id=2719a1af93066ca303788645eb7f57c1">
<span style="color:#336699">Model Policy JICJ – Cell Phones and Other Personal Electronic Devices in Schools</span></a>.<br>
<br>
<strong><u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Required Exceptions</span></u></strong><br>
Local policies must include exceptions for: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">A student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Documented Section 504 accommodations<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Medical care needs<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Translation needs when no other option is available<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#505050">Additional exceptions may be authorized in emergency situations, consistent with local health and safety procedures.<br>
<br>
<strong><u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Maine DOE Implementation Guidance</span></u></strong><br>
The Maine DOE has developed <a href="https://us.list-manage.com/kwgfh5KiK7C?e=cad42e3b04&c2id=2719a1af93066ca303788645eb7f57c1">
<span style="color:#336699">Implementation Guidance</span></a> intended to support thoughtful, student-centered implementation of bell-to-bell policies. The guidance emphasizes that while personal electronic device use is being prohibited, technology remains
an important component of modern teaching and learning.<br>
<br>
The guidance includes recommendations related to: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Intentional and instructional use of school-managed technology<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) considerations<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Equity and access for all learners<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Restorative and educational approaches to implementation and discipline<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Communication, staff training, and implementation planning<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#505050">The guidance encourages SAUs to distinguish between prohibited personal electronic device use and purposeful instructional
technology use, while continuing to support digital literacy, accessibility, and technology-rich learning environments.<br>
<br>
<strong><u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Restorative and Educational Approaches</span></u></strong><br>
The Maine DOE encourages SAUs to approach implementation through clear expectations, consistent routines, and restorative practices that prioritize instruction, reflection, and relationship-centered responses to policy violations whenever possible.<br>
<br>
Recommended practices include: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Explicitly teaching expectations and routines<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Progressive and educational responses to violations<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Restorative conversations and reflection<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#505050;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Family engagement and collaborative problem-solving<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><strong><u><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#505050">Funding Support</span></u></strong><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#505050"><br>
The Maine DOE will provide funding for SAUs to support costs associated with prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during the school day. A total of $350,000 has been allocated by the Maine Legislature for this initiative.<br>
<br>
Funds will be distributed to SAUs that operate schools serving grades 6 through 12, based on October 1, 2025, attending enrollment counts (<a href="https://us.list-manage.com/pOWlCqRHQY4?e=cad42e3b04&c2id=2719a1af93066ca303788645eb7f57c1" target="_blank"><span style="color:#336699">linked
here</span></a>). Distribution of funds to those SAUs will occur after the enactment of the Supplemental Budget on July 29, 2026. Funds should be recorded in each SAU as Revenue Code 3290 Miscellaneous State Receipt with a fund code in the range of 2200 -
2214 – Special Revenue Fund – State Grants.<br>
<br>
<strong><u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Additional Support Opportunities</span></u></strong><br>
To support implementation efforts statewide, the Maine DOE and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention will offer implementation support opportunities throughout the summer and fall. Additional information regarding webinars, technical assistance, and
implementation resources will be shared in the coming weeks.<br>
<br>
<strong><u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Questions</span></u></strong><br>
Questions regarding implementation may be directed to Maine DOE Learning Through Technology team coordinator Emma-Marie Banks at
<a href="mailto:emma-marie.banks@maine.gov"><span style="color:#336699">emma-marie.banks@maine.gov</span></a>. Additional guidance and resources will continue to be shared on the
<a href="https://us.list-manage.com/1884WCDaTfN?e=cad42e3b04&c2id=2719a1af93066ca303788645eb7f57c1">
<span style="color:#336699">Maine DOE website</span></a>.<br>
<br>
Thank you.<br>
<br>
<br>
<em><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Sent May 20, 2026</span></em><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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