As many of you may know, Governor Stitt signed into law SB139 restricting the use of personal electronic devices in all schools across the state of Oklahoma. As part of the new law, the Carnegie Board of Education was required to adopt a new policy concerning the restriction of personal electronic devices throughout our district. 

The Board approved Policy FNG-Personal Electronic Devices at their June 2025 Board Meeting to comply with the requirements set forth in the new state law. 

During the 2025-2026 school year the use of Personal Electronic Devices by students at Carnegie public schools will be restricted from the first bell in the morning until the last bell at the end of the school day. This restriction includes any personal device capable of connecting to a Smart Phone, the Internet, a cellular or WiFi network, or directly to another similar device. Personal devices include, but are not limited to Cell Phones, Smart Watches, Headphones, Laptops, Tablets, and Smart Glasses. Personal devices do not include school-issued or school approved devices that are specifically limited to classroom instruction.

Student's Personal Electronic Devices should not be seen during the school day on campus at Carnegie High School, Carnegie Middle School, or Carnegie Elementary School. Students will be given the opportunity to keep their cell phone on their person or in their locker, but it should not be used. If a cell phone is used during the school day, it will be taken to the school office where it will kept until the end of the day. Students who face repeated reminders of the new rule, may be subject to additional consequences for failure to follow school rules/expectations. 

Our primary focus in the enforcement of this new state law will be to increase student engagement and attention in the classroom. It is not our desire for this new law to become a primary focus in our daily routine. Students should expect staff members to enforce the new policy for our school in accordance with the requirements of the state law.

If a student has a need to make a telephone contact during the school day they may do so in any classroom utilizing the classroom telephone or in the school office. 

We have made the decision at this time to allow students to maintain their cell phones so that they will be available in the event of an emergency. This privilege may be lost for those who cannot respect the rules/expectations required by the new state law.

We will provide additional information and answer any questions you may have at enrollment in July and during first of school meetings with students in August. 

A copy of CPS Board Policy FNG-Personal Electronic Devices is attached to this post and ​also available via our school website at carnegieschools.com (District Documents)

Additional Media Related to SB139
https://oklahomavoice.com/2025/05/06/oklahoma-governor-signs-mandatory-one-year-school-cellphone-ban-into-law/

https://oksenate.gov/press-releases/seifried-celebrates-bell-bell-cellphone-prohibition-schools-becoming-law