USD 204 wants to share important updates regarding the new law the Kansas Legislature passed in the spring of 2026. HB 2299, or the Cell Phone Ban, goes into effect today. HB 2299 prohibits student use and display of personal communication devices at school from "bell to bell" during the school day, including during lunch and passing periods.
The law does not restrict devices students receive from the school district, such as Chromebooks used in our schools. These are allowed, and should be brought to school fully charged for learning activities, as in the past.
At the elementary level (BSE, DRE, and EDW), all devices must be turned off and kept out of sight during the school day. If personal electronic devices are brought to school, they will be kept in student backpacks, with backpacks remaining inaccessible to students throughout the school day.
At the secondary level (CMS and BSHS), all devices must be turned off and kept out of sight during the school day. Students will have the option to turn in their devices each morning to a designated staff member stationed in the commons area prior to the start of school. A daily first hour/advisory announcement made the first weeks of school will reinforce expectations regarding personal electronic devices.
If a device is being used during school hours or is visible, it will be collected, secured, and delivered to the office, where administration will assign a consequence to the student based on the number of offenses.
For further details on the Cell Phone Ban law, please find our FAQs page on our website at: https://www.usd204.net/page/cell-phone-bill-faqs
In addition, as of today, July 1, 2026, official Bonner Springs/Edwardsville USD 204 and building social media accounts will no longer respond to direct messages or engage in comment-based conversations in response to Section 3 of HB 2299.
As a result, we will use social media as a one-way, public-facing communication tool. If you need assistance, please contact the District Office or school buildings through Messages in the USD 204 app, or via phone numbers and 'Send Message' links on our websites.