Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) has announced that Superintendent Aaron Spence is seeking community feedback on the use of cell phones and personal devices in schools. This initiative follows the implementation of a cell phone policy aimed at minimizing distractions during instructional time.
According to LCPS, the district initially gathered community feedback on how this policy impacted students, families, and staff. As a result, the School Board updated Policy 8655 to clarify rules regarding cell phone use in schools. The district is now soliciting further feedback to assess the effectiveness of these policies and guide any necessary adjustments.
In April 2025, the General Assembly of Virginia amended Section 22.1-79.3:1 of the Code of Virginia. This amendment provided new definitions and guidance for student possession and use of cell phones and smart devices in schools. The law defines “bell to bell” as encompassing the entire instructional day, including lunch and passing periods, while “smart device” refers to any personal electronic device capable of internet connectivity and data processing or transmission.
Students are generally prohibited from using personal cell phones or smart devices during school hours unless they have specific accommodations through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 plan, individualized health care plan, or Limited English Proficiency (LEP) plan. LCPS notes that some students utilize these devices for educational purposes, which could impact access, productivity, or parental visibility.
Community input will be collected via ThoughtExchange to identify impacts, address gaps, and ensure that policies support a safe, productive, inclusive learning environment.
LCPS is headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia. It provides comprehensive information on its operations through District and School Profiles that include demographics, graduation rates, standardized test scores, and federal accountability metrics. Virginia’s School Quality Profiles complement these reports by offering insights into student achievement trends. The district is led by Superintendent Aaron Spence and governed by an elected School Board responsible for policy-making and strategic planning.
