OTHS to adopt new electronics rule, raises final-exam weight to 15% and moves parking-pass sales online
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Summary
The district previewed multiple student-handbook changes for 2025–26, most notably a new classroom electronics policy that bans visible/wearable devices 'bell to bell,' raises final exam weight from 10% to 15% and shifts parking-pass sales online with staggered senior access.
O'Fallon Township High School District 203 administrators presented notable student-handbook updates for 2025–26, including a districtwide electronics policy, adjustments to final-exam weighting and a new online parking-pass system.
Electronics policy: Under the proposed electronics policy, wearable technology — including cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses and earbuds — "cannot be seen or heard from bell to bell" in classrooms, the curriculum presenter said. The district described the policy as the product of a year-long process that included staff book studies (The Anxious Generation), surveys of faculty, parents and students, and administrative deliberation. Teachers retain autonomy to use pouches or other classroom accountability tools; students will still be allowed to use phones at lunch, during passing periods and in advisory when no instruction is occurring.
Final-exam weight: Departments requested a higher exam weight so students would take finals more seriously. The board was told the weight will rise from 10% to 15% of course grades for the coming year, a change developed by teacher departments and reviewed by department chairs.
Parking and other changes: Parking-pass purchases will move entirely online, with seniors given the first access window; administration cited safety and the prior practice of students camping at the school as reasons for the change. The presenter said the online sales will open on July 29 at 8:30 a.m. and that seniors must have fees paid by the Friday before to enter the purchase queue.
Process and timing: Administrators described the handbook as a year-long collaborative process with teacher, parent and student input and noted the board would act on the handbook later in the meeting. The electronics policy is a baseline district standard; principals and teachers may adopt classroom-level accountability practices that align with the policy.
Ending: Board members and public commenters asked for more communication to parents about surveys and the rationale for the policy; district staff said they would continue outreach and provide additional materials to the community.