Important update to our district policy regarding student use of cell phones and personal communication devices.
As a result of Ohio House Bill 96, all public school districts in Ohio—including Northridge Local Schools—are required to prohibit student cell phone use during the instructional day. To comply with this new law, the Northridge Board of Education adopted an updated Board Policy 5136: Personal Communication Devices on December 16, 2025.
Under this policy, student use of cell phones and other personal communication devices is prohibited during the instructional day and during school breaks unless specifically authorized.
The instructional day is defined as:
• Elementary School (PK–5): 8:45 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
• Middle School (Grades 6–8): 7:40 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• High School (Grades 9–12): 7:40 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cell phone use is prohibited during breakfast, lunch, study halls, recess, class changes, and hallway or locker use. Phones must be stowed away for the entirety of the school day (not in hand, and stored out of sight, in a bookbag or locker).
Exceptions to this policy include:
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Educational use as part of classroom instruction when approved by a teacher or administrator
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Health-related needs, including use necessary to monitor or address a documented health concern
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Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan that includes cell phone use as an approved accommodation
Students may bring cellphones to school; however, devices must be powered off and stored out of sight during the instructional day unless an approved exception applies.
School offices remain available to assist parents who need to contact their children during the school day.
You may reach us at:
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Elementary School: 740-967-1401
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Middle School: 740-967-6671
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High School: 740-967-6651
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District Office: 740-967-6631
Contact information for each school is also available on our website at www.northridge.k12.oh.us under the Contact Us tab.
This policy will take effect on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. We believe this change will help create a more focused, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment, allowing students to engage more fully with instruction and peer interactions.
Thank you for your continued support as we implement this important policy. If you have questions, please contact your child’s school or the District Office.
Sincerely,
Brian Blum
Superintendent
Northridge Local Schools
