SLPS enforce phone ban during school hours

Editor's note: This clip is from Aug. 12, 2025

ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) has announced its new cell phone policy in accordance with Missouri's Senate Bill 1481, which prohibits students from using their phones during the school day.

According to SLPS, the Personal Electronic Communication Device Policy was approved by the Board of Education on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

"Our priority is to ensure our students are engaged in learning and minimize distractions
in the classroom," said SLPS Superintendent Millicent Borishade. "This new policy
reflects a thoughtful approach, incorporating valuable input from our entire community
to create a framework that supports both academic focus and school safety."

Individual SLPS school administrators can determine which procedures are optimal when it comes to meeting the policies' standards. SLPS, however, noted that phone allowances may be necessary when it comes to emergencies.

"We believe this balanced approach allows for effective management of personal
electronic devices while empowering our schools to implement the policy in a way that
best suits their student population and operational flow," Borishade said.