Message from the Superintendent:
Please be aware that in response to WV House Bill 2003, a recent Taylor County Board of Education Policy 5136 - “Cell Phone Use In Schools/Personal Electronic Devices” was approved during a recent Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, and is now in effect beginning the current 2025-2026 school year. This policy focuses on cell phone and personal electronic device usage and contains the following essential expectations:
Definitions:
A. Personal Electronic Device: “Any portable device capable of wireless communication or computing, including, but not limited to, cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and portable gaming systems not provided by the Board of Education.”
B. Instructional Day: “The period of time from the start of the first instructional period to the end of the last instructional period, including transition times between classes.”
C. Classroom Setting: “An environment where instruction or activities related to the school curriculum are occurring, but not limited to general classrooms, gymnasiums, common areas, or any other area where instruction may occur.”
Taylor County Board of Education Policy 5136 allows personal electronic devices to be brought on to school property providing that students store the completely turned off (not just placed in vibrate or silent mode) devices in assigned lockers or backpacks during the instructional day.
Information pertaining to this policy should be available in your student’s school Handbook. In addition, the complete policy will be available on the Taylor County Schools website under the policy manual section as soon as possible.
I hope this information is helpful as you and your child prepare for the forthcoming school year.
Best Regards,
Dr. John E. Stallings, Jr.
Superintendent