Policy requires phones to remain out of sight during the instructional day, with violations subject to confiscation and disciplinary action.
During the Oct. 20 Lake Local Schools Board of Education meeting, the board approved a new cell phone policy for Lake Middle/High School students and voted to include it in the school’s student handbook.
The policy, required by Ohio law beginning Jan. 1, 2026, prohibits student cell phone use during the instructional day. State law defines the instructional day as any time a student is in attendance for formal instruction, supervised activities, class transitions, lunch periods, privilege periods, study halls and assemblies.
Under the new policy, students are not permitted to display or use cell phones during school hours unless given permission by a supervising teacher or staff member. Phones must be placed in a classroom phone caddy at the start of each period or kept silenced and out of sight in a backpack or locker.
If a cell phone is seen, heard or used without authorization, it may be confiscated by school personnel. Refusal to surrender a phone may result in additional disciplinary action. Administrators may search a device if there is reasonable suspicion that a school policy has been violated. Students who need to make a phone call may request permission from the school office and must remain there until the call is complete.
“Students can carry their cell phone, but can’t have it out in the hallway, classrooms or other areas, including the cafeteria during the instructional day,” Superintendent Brett Yeagley said.
Other actions from the meeting included:
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The board heard a presentation on the district’s state report card. Lake earned a performance rating of 92.8%, an overall rating of 4.5 stars, and five stars in Achievement and Graduation. Gap Closing and Progress earned four stars, while Early Literacy and College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness each received three stars. Spending per student was $10,810 compared with $11,536 for the Stark County average and $12,723 statewide.
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The board introduced and welcomed exchange student Venla Peltola from Finland, who is in the 12th grade and staying with host family Brenda and Steve Palinkas.
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Approved an overnight trip for the Lake Local Band to Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 15-18, 2027. Trip costs will be paid by the students.
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Accepted three non-certified staff resignations: Lori George, cafeteria, effective Oct. 16, 2025; Tawnya Tippel, cafeteria, effective Sept. 26, 2025; and Laura Zofchak, bus driver, effective Oct. 8, 2025.
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Approved 27 one-year athletic supplemental contracts for the 2025-26 school year, pending proper credentialing. The list includes varsity and middle school wrestling, JV bowling, boys basketball, girls basketball and swim coaches.
The next Lake Local Schools Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13 in the Lake Elementary School cafetorium.
