Even if a ban on cell phones during the school day in Missouri’s high schools doesn’t become law, Marshall Public Schools has made the decision to ban them anyway for the next school year.

The ban was included in the updated student handbook for the 2025-26 academic year, adopted last week by the board of education. Superintendent Caleb Petet says the policy was devised independent of efforts by lawmakers to enact a statewide ban because of issues the district has encountered over the years.

The ban will also apply to smartwatches. Petet says the goal is to cut down on distractions and other issues that could impact a student’s ability to learn and feel safe at school. The statewide ban was included in the education omnibus measure, Senate Bill 68, which awaits Governor Mike Kehoe’s signature.

Also included in the Marshall student handbook next year is a provision requiring student groups to complete a community service project before any request to launch a fundraiser is approved.

The Marshall School Board also adopted a series of policy revisions at their May 13th meeting, including the recoding of a policy concerning revenues from investments or surplus funds.